
nass r X C ■/- 



WILMINGTON, 9of 



I»-A.ST, I^aE^ESE3^TT -A-ISTID FTJTXJI^E 



HISTOBY OF ITS HARBOR, 

WITH 

DETAILED KEPOETS OF THE WOKK 
FOR IMPROVING AND RESTORING- THE SAME, 

NOW BEING CONDUCTED BY THE 

TJ. S. Grovernmeiit. 

rtESOUKCES AND ADYAOTAGES 

AS AN ENTREPOT FOP. WESTERN CITIES. 

HARBOR OF REFUGE, 

AND 

COAIflllTG DISPOT FOB. ^'^'El ITAVIT 

AND 



PUBLISHED BY OKDEK OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. 



WILMINGTON, N. C. : 

Ji A. ENOELHAKD, STEAM POWER PRESS PRINTKIS, 
JOTIRN.AL BUILDTNOf?. 

1872. 



/'2/64 



64 



-^^ ISGb 



I^REF^TOUY. 



The publication of the followiug clocumeuts is, of course, made to forward 
the interests of our city. 

From the Congress, to whom we look for th ^ means for restoring our harbor, 
damaged hy work of the public authorities, we ask a careful consideration of what 
we consider our just dues. The statements made herein, can, in every impor- 
tant particular, be verified by charts and documents in the possession of the 
Government, deposited in the Public Library and with the Coast Survey De- 
partment, and are generally known by the officers of the Engineer Department, 
whose attention has been particularly called to the subject. 

We direct the especial attention of the cities and towns of the West and North- 
west, to the great advantages of a connection with us, and the manifest interest 
to themselves in having our Harbor restored, so as to put them in easier and 
cheaper reach of a seaport, through which to distribute their products and re- 
ceive in return their importations from any part of the world. 

With a first class harbor, which we can safely look for, if the work now pro- 
gressing is completed, the natural advantages of cur port will be seen at a 
glance, and we shall soon become a great market for heavy goods of every de- 
scription, and offer, to all within reach of us, induceiaentB not now to be found. 

Wilmington, N. C, February, 1872. 



ON THE TRADE 

OP WILMINGTOlV, north CAROLINA, AND OF THE PRO- 
DUCE EXPORTABL'S FROM THE RIVER CAPE FEAR, 
THE SEASON AND PROSPECT TAKEN INTO VIEW, MAY 
1ST, 1815. 

BY JOSHUA POTTS. 

Wilmington, though but a small port, affords in season and 
in proportionate quantities, nearly all the various kinds of 
produce that are to be found in the growth of the United 
States, collectively — such is the effect of an intermediate cli- 
mate, an extensive territory of different soil, and diversity in 
occupation of numerous inhabitants. 

Portable articles of Produce are brought from the interior 
country, by land carriage, to inland towns on the head of 
boating navigation ; thence they a.re carried down to Wil- 
mington in large flat boats, calculated for that purpose. 

In the lower part of the country, transportation of Lumber 
Naval Stores, Timber and Spars, is facilitated by rafts, con- 
ducted by a few hands down numerous rivers and creeks. 

In times of uninterrupted commerce, many ships and ves- 
sels of considerable burthen were annually loaded here and 
bound for European ports with cargoes of Naval Stores, To- 
bacco, Flaxseed, Cotton, Eice, and large Timber of Pitch 
Pine ; their cargoes were dunnaged and stowed with Staves. 

Our produce is particularly adapted for the markets of 
West India Islands, and when we have a free trade, many 
vessels, of Wilmington and the Northern States, during win- 
ter and spring, load here, and depart for the West Indies in 
as many directions as there are Islands, their cargoes assort- 
ed with Lumber, Flour, Rice, Pork, Bacon, Lard, Butter, To- 
bacco, Tar, Live Stock, &c. 

A proportion of our produce is transported coastwise to 
various x)orts, but that of New York the principal — and vice 



() 

versa, the mercliaiits and dealers of Wilmiugtou and Fayette- 
ville are generally furnished with a variety of merchandize 
from suudr}^ ports ou the Northern coast — especially from 
New York. Regular packets ply between Wilmington and 
New York. 

Excellent crops of various kinds of produce are annually 
produced throughout this country. Our market opens in 
November, is brisk in December, increases in January, Feb- 
ruary and March — slackens in April— declines in May, and 
ends in June. The Summer and Fall months, in regard to 
trade, are dull, and the Fall sickly. 

Those kinds of our produce, of the first importance, are no- 
ted for the present year as follows : 

Tobacco is raised only in the upper country ; is brought 
and inspected at Fayetteville, at the head of boating naviga- 
tion, ninety miles above Wilmington. It may be had at Fa}'- 
etteville, almost at any time of the year ; but is more plenty 
between December and March. Of late years the quantity 
has been reduced, and the culture of Cotton substituted, as 
being less jDrecarious, less toilsome, and of more profit than 
Tobacco. Within the last fifteen years, Tobacco has been 
lessened in culture more than one-half of former crops. Its 
quality has been said to have been inferior to that of Virgin- 
ia, but of late it has been produced of amended goodness, 
and some of it prime. In the first place, it is uniformly pur- 
chased from the planters by merchants at Fayetteville, and 
by them either exported to Europe or sold again in the Uni- 
ted States. 

Cotton, Upland, is but of recent cultivation in this State, 
and is increasing in quantity ; the quality is said to be equal 
to that of South Carolina or Georgia. The planters, at first, 
put up their Cotton in round bags, but of late much of it is 
packed in square bales. There is no inspection of Cotton. 

EiCE — A fine crop is raised chiefiy in the vicinity of AVil- 
mington, near tide- water, of quality equal to any in the South- 
ern States ; and a charge for the rough casks which contain 
it, is always made by the planters. 

Flour — The usual crop of considerable quantity : of late 



years subject to a good inspection, and marked under seve- 
ral qualities ;'..'the sujjertine' is said to be equal to that of the 
Middle States. 

CoBN is seldom either plenty or cheap in Wilmington. The 
country around does not produce it in sufficient quantity for 
exportation. 

Tar is not made in as large quantity as formerlj^ nor is it 
produced and brought to market with the same ease ; — it is 
an article subject to waste, and the price generally low. — 
Countrymen, in many instances-, have paid attention to Cot- 
ton and Timber ; and numerous inhabitants of that descrip- 
tion have removed to the Western States. Since the return 
of peace, however, the demand for Tar and Turp'^ntine has 
raised the value of those articles to an encouraging price. It 
is rafted to Wilmington, and after having been coopered and 
inspected, is transported coastwise, and a projjortion shipped 
for European ports. 

Turpentine is seen at market from June to December. In 
consequence of the late war, the quantity has been reduced, 
and prices depressed ; the present demand, however, has en- 
hanced the value. There is a scarcity at present. 

Flaxseed, as well as Tobacco and Flour, is raised in the 
interior of this country. It is first contained in bags, and 
brought in waggons to Fayetteville, and there measured and 
sold by the bushel, usually from 90 to 120 cents, according 
to prospect. The purchasers at Fayetteville have it there 
perfectly cleaned in machines for that purpose, and put up 
in casks of oak, well made, each containing seven bushels. — 
When commerce is free, the price of a cask of Flaxseed at 
Wilmington is generally between ten and eleven dollars.—^ 
There is no inspection on Flaxseed. 

Lumber, many kinds and of superior quality, is brough't 
plentifully to market during the winter and spring. Plenty 
of sawed Boards, Planks and 'Scantling, of fine grained Pitch 
and Yellow Pine. Pine Timber and Spars of any size may 
be had. Shingles of^Cypress, 22 inches in length, are plen- 
ty, generally thin and light, but proportionally cheap. Shin, 
gles of Juniper, well drawn and rounded, may be had from a 
distance, on timely notice. 



8 

Staves are not to be had here in quantity sufficient to fur- 
nish cargoes of vessels ; they are, however, to be had during 
winter and spring, and wherewith cargoes of other produce 
are dunnaged and stowed. Staves are, however, at times so 
plenty as to compose the principal part of a vessel's cargo.. 
White Oak Hhd. and Barrel Staves are never plenty ; the 
growth of the tree is confined to narrow limits on the bor- 
ders of the Kiver Capo Fear. Bed Oak Hhd. Staves are to 
be had in larger numbers than those of the White Oak, and 
are always more than proportionably cheap. 

Produce of Minor Importance. 

Bacon — Hams, Shoulders, and Middlings, of excellent 
quality, are to be had in market, from January until May. 

Butter comes chieflj' from the mountains and back coun- 
try, roughly put up in tubs and kegs — the season from No- 
vember 'till March. It is subject to inspection. 

Beeswax is seen generally in small quantities, and is care- 
fully bought up by a few monopolizers of that article. It is 
often sent from Wilmington to New York and to Charleston. 

Brandy, of Apples and Peaches — also. 

Whiskies, distilled from grain, have lately been greatly in- 
creased throughout this country. The consumption of them 
already far exceeds the quantity of foreign distilled spirits ; 
and from the economical disposition of our planters, the pro- 
bability is, that, in a very few years, the current use of do- 
mestic spirits will entirely supercede those of foreign distil- 
lation. 

Beep is seldom barreled up in this country. The quality 
is sound, but lean and inferior. 

Corn Meal has never been exx)orted hence. It is brought 
to Wilmington raw, and only in small quantities, for the use 
of the inhabitants. 

Pork is put up only in small parcels, the quantity about 
sufficient to furnish vessels with sea stores, and to assort car- 
goes bound for the West Indies. The quality sound and 
good, but not very fat. 

Lard comes to market in kegs and tubs of various sizes 
not well put up — the quantity not an object. 



9 

Tallow is produced in small quantities, of which candles 
are made and used in Wilmington, and on board vessels. — 
Sometimes a few casks of Tallow are shipped coastwise. 

Deer Skins and Furs are poor articles, both in quantity 
and quality. 

Peas — Black-eye, &c., are of precarious growth and perish- 
able quality. The quantity attempted to be raised is but 
small ; — they serve to provision crews of vessels, feed negroes, 
milch cows, &c. 

Live Stock — Cattle and Hogs are uniformly raised by na- 
ture in this part of the country. Cattle are small and weak- 
ly, and cannot bear their passage to the West India Islands. 
Hogs are raised by mast or acorns, and in the months of No- 
vember and December are in sufficient plight to be shipped 
to the West Indies. Poultry are generally plenty for the use 
of the inhabitants and for sea stores. 

Pitch — Seldom an^^ has been brought to market of late 
years. Tar burners seem to have declined reducing Tar to 
Pitch. 

EosiN, Spirit of Turpentine, Spirit of Tar, are made only 
by persons in possession of Stills proper for those purposes ; 
and they continue the quantity on hand small, merely to ans- 
wer the small demand that may occasionally happen — but 
should at anytime large parcels of these articles be required, 
the purchaser could be speedily furnished. 

Remarks. 

It is unadvisable, and often disadvantageous, for a mer- 
chant in a distant State or foreign port, to dispatch a ship to 
Wilmington under orders for a cargo of our produce, without 
first having written to his correspondent of particulars re- 
quired. Four to six weeks previous notice to the agent is 
always requisite, that he may have time and opportunity to 
procure the produce described, at the best advantage, and 
have it in readiness by the time of arrival of such ship. — 
Great detention and disappointment often happen in conse- 
quence of voyages being abruptly commenced ; as but seldom 
peciiliar kinds of produce can be had on sudden notice. 



10 

Inspection of Protluco is established by law throuq;liont 
North Carolina. A clause enacts that the shippers thereof 
shall pay the foes of inspection on the several articles as fol- 
lows, viz : Eice, Flour, Pork, Lard, Beef, Butter, Tar, Tur- 
pentine, Pitch and Eosin. 'ihe rates are low. 

On Lumber, the buyer and seller equally sustain the char- 
ges of inspection and delivery. Custom supercedes a law for 
inspection of lumber. The fee is small. 

At the Port of Wilmington,- every article of produce and 
merchandize are, by custom, sold, bought, dtlivered and re- 
ceived by short or exact weight, measure, or number, and 
nothing by the long hundred or thousand. For instance, 

A ton of Iron, Cordage, <fec., is only 2,000 lb. 

A hundred weight of Sugar, <tc 100 lb. 

A thousand Staves or Shingles pieces 1,000 

A ton of square Timber „ . . . solid feet 40 

A barrel of Tar, by law gallons 32 

A bbl. of Turpentine or Pitch, by averaged weight, 

gross 320 lb. 

A barrel of Pork, nett 200 lb. 

A barrel of Flour, nett 196 lb. 

Cash, or suitable bills, (commonly drafts on New York,) 
are the only funds that will command either Tobacco, Eice, 
Cotton or Flaxseed. 

Salt. — The season for Salt commences in September, and 
continues during October, November and December. After- 
wards the demand slackens, and by March there is no caU 
for it. 

Considerable quantities of Liverpool Sail were formerly im- 
ported, but during our Eestrictive Acts, and nearly three 
years continuance of the late war with England, scarcely any 
has been brought in. Coarse Salt of late has arrived tolera- 
ble plenty, and although subject to a duty of about thirty 
cents per bushel, the last sales per cargo were per bushel at 
sixty-five cents. 

Liverpool Ground Salt is always preferred at Fayetteville 
to any coarse Salt, at the same price, owing to weight of 
waggonage up the country, Liverpool being the lightest, per 
bushel. 



11 

For a few years since, while commerce was under restric- 
tion, and during the late war, sundry Salt Works were erect- 
ed on the Sound, near Wilmington, which, towards the last 
of the war, highly rewarded their several proprietors. But, 
since the return of peace, the price of home-made Salt has, 
consequently, fallen to that of similar quality imported. Not- 
withstanding, the domestic works will be continued in opera- 
tion. They will be productive of profit, so far at least as the 
duty on foreign salt may be extended. 

The manner of producing what is here called Sound Salt, 
is by means of vats constructed with boards, into one of 
which the salt water is brought b}^ pumps worked with wind. 
Three vats constitute one sett, and the sea water under evap- 
oration, after having deposited the druggy and slimy parts, 
is timely drawn from one reservoir into another, by which 
process the chrystalized Salt becomes of the purest quality. 
The grain is of the size called hominy salt, or larger, and the 
quantity annually produced, within eight to twenty miles of 
Wilmington, is already more than thirty thousand bushels. 

Main Bar of Cape Fear, high water at 7 o'clock at full and 
change of the Moon, depth 18 feet. 

New Inlet Bar, high water at 7 o'clock at full and change 
of the Moon, depth 11^ feet. 

Tides on each Bar, perpendicular, 5 to 6 feet. 

Flatts, ten miles below Wilmington, to town, 11^ feet. 

Course in, over the Main Bar ; — when in five fathoms wa- 
ter, the Light House used to bear North half East, but, un- 
fortunately, a couple of years since the sea encroached on 
the shore* and destroyed the Light House ; and within a few 
years an angle to the westward has been formed in that part 
of the channel which was formerly straight, by which circum- 
stance the navigation over the Main Bar has become more 
difficult. Pilots generally attend in time to conduct vessels 
in safety. 

*'Why ? Because the River current had been depreciated to that extent in 
volume and force, by the opening at New Inlet, as to be overcome by the cur- 
rent and force of waves of the ocean ; thus permitting the ocean waves and cur- 
rent to g^•ad^^ally wear away the shore, H. NUTT. 



12 

Lighterage, between the Flatts and Wilmington, comes on 
all vessels above ll.\ feet. 

Also, between Main Bar and Flatts, at high water, are 
Shoals of 14.^ feet. 

Wilmington is situated on the east side of Cape Fear or 
Clarendon river, and lies North 30 miles above the Main Bar, 
and 20 miles above Now Inlet. 



REMARKS 

ON THE TRADE OF WTLMINGTOX, NORTH CAROLINA, 
AND ON THE PRODUCE EXPORTABLE FROM THE 
RIVER CAPE FEAR, TAKEN INTO VIEW 1ST AUGUST, 
1843. 

BY EGBERT VT. BROWN. 

WILMINGTON affords, in season, and in proportionate 
quantities, ucarlv all the various kibds of produce that are to 
be found in the growth of the United States collectively. 
Such is the effect of an intermediate climate, an extensive 
territory of different soil, and diversity in occupation of nu- 
merous inhabitants. 

Portaljle articles of produce are brought from the interior 
country, by land carriage, to Fayeiteville, at the head of 
boating navigation ; thence they are carried down to Wil- 
mington by well constructed Steamboats and their numerous 
Towboats, comprising a flotilla on an extensive scale, quali- 
fied to carry large quantities of merchandize up and produce 
down ; and when the river is not too low for Steamboats to 
run all the way, greater despatch is not given in any part of 
our country. At those periods of low water, which occasion- 
ally happen, the transportation is facilitated by the smaller 
flat Towboats, aided speedily by the Steamboats, so far as 



15 

the latter can proceed. We have also the additional routo 
of Bail Eoad, 161 miles as noted below, in another direction. 

In the course of many years practice of the author in his 
agency for numerous merchants of the interior, and since the 
establishment of Steamboats, he has had goods delivered at 
Fayetteville, within a week and ten days, from Kew York, 
and the merchants and farmers of the back country, hitherto 
trading extensively with South Carolina, must find their way 
to the convenient seaport of their own State, and Wilmington 
can produce a market for export and import, with all neces- 
sary facilities. The larger vessels for foreign trade and the 
smaller for coasting, have the advantage of two Bars — the 
New Inlet and the Main Bar to pass in and out. 

In the lower part of the couutry, transportation of sawed 
Lumber, Staves, Naval Stores, Timber and Spars, is facilitated 
by rafts, conducted by a fevf- hands, down numerous rivers 
and creeks. 

Many ships and vessels, of considerable burthen, are an- 
nually loaded here, and bound for European and "West India 
ports, with cargoes of Naval Stores, Tobacco, Flaxseed, Cot- 
ton, Bice, Pitch Pine Planks, Timber and Staves. 

Our produce is particularly adapted for the markets of the 
West India Islands; and the shipping of Yv^ilmington and the 
Northern States, a?, well as foreign vessels, during winter 
and spring, load here and depart for the West Indies, in as 
man}' directions as there are Islands ; their cargoes assort- 
ed, with sawed Lumber, Staves, Shingles, Flour, Bice, Pork, 
Bacon, Lard, Butter, Naval Stores, <fec. 

A large proportion of our produce is transported coast- 
wise, to various ports, but those of New York, Philadelphia, 
Baltimore and Boston, ^principally ; and vice versa, the mer- 
chants and dealers of Wilmington and Fayetteville, em- 
bracing the extensive interior of the state, are furnished 
with a variety of merchandise from sundry ports on the 
northern coast, especially from New-York. Begular packets 
ply between Wilmington, New Y'ork and Philadelphia. 
Steamboats of good capacity ply on the river below Wil- 
mington, for passengers, freighting and towing. The healthy 
summer retreat at Smith ville, is much resorted to. 



14 

Excellent crops of viirious kinds of produce are annually 
produced throughout this country. Our market opens in 
November, is brisk in December, increases in January, Feb- 
ruary and March, slackens in April, declines in May, and 
ends in June. The summer and fall months, in regard to 
trade, are dull ; rivers generally low ; crop season with the 
country people ; a relaxation in town ; and consequently 
business generally is less active, except the ordinary pre- 
parations for renewal of the fall trade, and the importation 
of large quantities of goods, for their passage to the interior, 
which is a steady employment from July to November. This 
business demands the constant vigilance, care and presence 
of the consignees and parties entrusted with it, during the 
most unfavorable period of the season. 

A neio route is now established hj the "Wilmington and 
Raleigh Bail Road, through the North Eastern counties of 
the State, leading to Weldon, on the Eoanoke, and thence 
to Norfolk or Petersburg. Splendid Steamboats, built for 
the purpose, and second to none in the United States, ply 
between Wilmington and Charleston, conveying with great 
comfort, and comparatively no risk, the mail and passengers, 
which route, as already ascertained, is admitted to be one 
of the best in the whole country, avoiding the great hazard 
of Capes Hatteras, Lookout, and Frying Pan, in a short sea- 
scope between Cape Fear and Charleston Bars, so far as 
passengers are concerned. 

The TiiADE too has commenced upon this route with the 
rich and fertile counties of the East, whose inhabitants are 
ready to embrace the great facility in prospect of finding at 
Wilmington a market for their valuable productions. It is 
only necessary to have the supply to insure demand. 

Those kinds of our produce, of the first imj)ortance, are 
noted as follows : 

Cotton. — Upland in moderate supply the last year or two. 
The quality is similar to that of South Carolina or Georgia, 
now mostly packed in square bales, and delivered at market 
in excellent order. Freight to England, chiefly Liverpool, 
varies as to circumstances 1-2 a 5-S(L, and it often occurs, 



15 

tBat cotton purcliased by order, is shipped coastwise to New 
York, where it takes the chance of a good market, or for- 
warded by packet to England or France, Shipments to 
France direct are made from "Wilmington. Both Cotton 
and Rice can be obtained and shipped. 

Rice. — A fine crop is raised, chiefly in the vicinity of Wil' 
mington, near tide water, of quality equal to any in the 
Southern States. And indeed, we have often heard a pref- 
erence expressed for the Rice on this river. Charleston 
dealers send for it, to clean there (and export) in the rough, 
&c. The quantity made is about 200,000 bushels. There 
is now an extensive Sleam Mill, besides sundry Water Mills, 
which enable us to furnish in due season, the whole crop of 
this article, and greatly add to our supply of clean Rice for 
export from the port of W^ilraington. The quantity may 
now be fairly estimated at about ten thousand tierces. In 
consequence, dealers may expect less disappointment in sup- 
plies, and at fair prices. A Steam Mill, recently erected at 
New York, has made demand upon our rough rice, and takes 
it coastwise. By custom, the purchaser pays 50 cents for 
each cask, and 8h cents for inspection. The casks are of 
various sizes, from 300 to 600 pounds nett. About the mid- 
dle of November, to the first of December, we get the first 
new Riee to market. 

Tobacco is raised in the upper country ; is brought to and 
inspected at Fayetteville, at the head of boating navigation, 
90 miles by land, and 140 by water, above Wilu^ington. It 
may be had at that place almost any time of the year, but 
is more plenty between December and March. In the first 
place, it is uniformly purchased from the planters by mer- 
chants at Fayetteville, on their own account, or by order, and 
sent down to Wilmington, for sale, or to be shipped. Many 
ships formerly loaded with Tobacco at this port for Foreign 
markets. 

Flouk is expected to be fine this year — the crops of 
Wheat throughout are represented as excellent. It is in- 
spected and branded at Fayetteville, under several qualities,, 
and at present, no charge of inspection to the shipper here^ 



10 

Tlio cross middling, fine and superfine, generally sent down 
together. It is not always practicable to procure superfine 
alone. Quality good. Inspection improved. 

Wheat is brought into Fayetteville by wagons, where it is 
bought, cleaned at mills, and put up in casks of seven bush- 
els or bags, and sent down to Wilmington for sale or to 
ship. 

CoEN. — The country immediately around does not produce 
it in sufficient quantities for exportation to any extent. We 
have it frequently from the North counties in this State, 
brought round in vessels, and also from Maryland. The de- 
mand this year has been uniformly good, and sold at full 
prices. The adjoining counties have had satisfactory ac- 
counts — the consumption seems to have increased. 

Tae has been made in considerable quantities ; it is an 
article subject to waste. The very low price at which this 
article ruled for several years, had the effect at last to drive 
the makers of it to other business — cutting timber, &c., 
which, with some removals of that class of persons from this 
region, rendered Tar more scarce. It is rafted to Wilming- 
ton, down rivers and creeks, and bought of the country peo- 
ple by the raft, from 20 to 300 barrels, afloat ; after which, 
it is landed on a wharf, inspected and coopered — the pur- 
chaser always paying insiDection of two cents per barrel, 
cooperage, wharfage, and the landing charge ; the whole ex- 
pense about 12 cents per barrel, including one week's wharf- 
age. Our cooperage is good, and attentieu is paid to pump- 
ing, in order to clear it of water as much as possible. Janu- 
ary to May is the season when Tar is most plenty. 

Turpentine is seen in market from June to April. We 
generally get the greatest quantities from the 20th of No- 
vember, until about the last of Februarj'. Before and after 
these periods, it comes in smaller parcels. After heavy rains, 
and during high freshets, we have considerable quantities 
down at once ; and often, at such time, the supply offered 
for sale reduces the price. Turpentine is rafted and sold as 
Tar, subject to inspection and like expenses. The buyer, 
from custom, pays lor the whole raft, as landed, including 



IT 

hard or ecrapings as well as soft ; tlie hard, however, at less 
price — oiie-half the rate paid for soft. By custom aud law 
of the State, it is weighed, taking 320 lbs. gross as the bar- 
rel. Our barrels are generally large, and when packed over- 
go that weight. Usual crop has been 100,000 to 140,000 
barrels. I will further add, in regard to this article, that on 
inspection, after the inspector has tried each cask at the 
bung with a rod, he weighs a small portion of the lot, by 
which the whole purchase is averaged. Inspection, 3 cents 
per barrel. The crop of 1843-44 is expected to reach 200,- 
000 barrels. The railroad route delivers a large proportion 
of Turpentine to market, which is in addition to the raftitg 
process. The several distilleries now established, for work- 
ing up turpentine in the home market, consume weekly 1500 
barrels of that raw material, and has become a great item of 
business here. They produce Rosin, Spirits Turpentine, and 
make Varnish and Pitch. 

Flaxseed as well as Tobacco and Hour, is raised in the 
interior of this country. It is first brought in wagons to 
Fayettev'lle, and there measured and sold by the bushel. — 
The purchasers have it cleansed in machines, and put up in 
oak casks, each containing seven bushels. Flaxseed is an 
article, in regard to the quantity of which an accurate esti- 
mate cannot be formed. The seed is sown with no other 
view than to produce Flax for domestic purposes ; gathered 
in quantities and brought to market, from the first of Sep- 
tember to the fifteenth of January — principally in November 
and December. In common, the quantity received depends 
materially upon the price. Crops of former years, about 
3000 tierces. Of the last seasons, the quantity exported and 
shipped coastwise, only about 9 to 1500 casks. There is no 
other market in the Southern States where it is purchased 
to any extent. No inspection. 

Lumber — Many kinds, and of a superior quality, are rafted 
plentifully to market during winter and spring, from water 
mills ; say, sawed boards, plank and scantling, of fine grain- 
ed pitch and yellow pine, promiscuously sawed however, un- 
less previously contracted for, and thus sold hy the raft, at a 



IS 

rate to be agreed on, turn out as it may ; lief use at half-price,- 
and is commonlj so shipped altogether. Expenses of re- 
rafting or landing, and inspection, paid by the purchaser. — 
Pine timber and spars, of any size, may be had upon previous 
notice to contract with the country people ; and at a time 
TV'hen the waters are sufficiently up for rafting. Five well 
constructed Steam Saw Mills are erected in the vicinity of 
the town, and noio in operation, where lumber of any lengths 
or sizes may be fm'nished, and delivered to vessels bright 
from the saws. The quality is excellent — sawed from square 
logs of good timber. The increased demand for our lumber 
coastwise, and steady calls for it throughout the West Indies, 
has vastly increased the trade and employment of vessels. — 
Half the inspection is charged at those Mills, and their pri- 
ces are uniform. The lumber trade is also benefited by the 
oetablishment at Orton,15 miles hehic Wilmington, oi two ex- 
cellent Saiu 3IiUs, carried by a never-failing water power 
from a pond of seven miles in extent, supplying lumber from 
square timber equal to that of the Steam Mills, and at same 
rates. In a contract with those mills, ves&els meet as good 
despatch as at any other. 

An extensive Planing Mill is also erected at this place, 
where flooring and all other descriptions of Boards are sup- 
plied for domestic use as well as- foreign demand. 

Shingles, of Cypress, 22 inches in length, are plenty, and 
often good ; and may be contracted for to be brought of bet- 
ter quality and larger size. Demand the past season was 
good. Demand this summer has been less, and a correspond- 
ing falling off in supply— ruled from $1 50 to $4 per thous- 
and. Shingles, of Juniper, 18 inches, may be had on timely 
notice, during the winter. 

Staves are not to be had here in quantities sufficient to fur- 
nish cargoes of vessels, but can be had during the winter and 
spring, wherewith cargoes of other produce are dunnaged 
and stowed. At some periods, however, so plenty as to com- 
prise the principal part of a vessel's cargo. W. O. Hhd. are 
not always plenty, barrel generally scarce. It is but seldom 
they turn their attention exclusivelv to making barrel staves, 



19 

■and they are made only of timber not long or stout enoug'k 
for hhd. For West India market, W. O. Hhd. Heading are 
required, and of those we seldom get a sufficient proportion. 
The growth of the tree is confined to narrow limits on the 
borders of the river Cape Fear. Bed Oak Staves are to be 
had in hxrger numbers than those of the White Oak, and are 
proportionably cheap. Pipe Staves are never made here., — 
All our staves are generally very good. In the further pro- 
gress of railroads and opening to the country, we shall ex- 
pect to find our Stave supply revive. 

Main Bar of Cape Fear, high water at 7 o'clock, at full and 
change of the moon ; depth formerly 18 feet, but the Pilots 
now say only loh to 15 feet. 

New Inlet Bar, high water at 7 o'clock, at full and change 
of the moon, 10 to Hi feet. 

Tides, on each Bar, perpendicular, 5 to 6 feet. 

Flatts, 5 to 6 miles below Wilmington, 10 to ll^y feet. 

Pilots generally attend in time to conduct vessels in safe- 
ty ; and there is now two decked boats in use, besides many 
open boats. 

Course in, over Main Bar, is much more direct, and less 
difficult than formerly : — a Light House on Bald Head Island, 
as also a lighted Beacon at New Inlet. 

Lighterage comes on all vessels above 10 to 12^ feet at 
present, in consequence of some operations on the river be- 
low town, which were commenced with a view to improvement. 

Also, between Flats and Smithville, at high water, are 
shoals 14 feet ; consequently, vessels that load deeper than 
14 feet, must go down to Smithville to complete their cargoes. 
13^ to 15 feet water may be carried out over Main Bar ; 10 
to 11 feet, New Inlet. 



WILMLVGTON, K. 0., 

ITS PKESENT AND FUTURE. 

:FEBiaTJ.iLS,"^, 1872. 



It is proposed, in the following, to give a succinct view of 
the Commerce of Wilmington at the present time, its com- 
mercial advantages as an entrepot for many cities and towns 
of the great West, and, after the restoration of its harbor, 
now receiving attention from the General Government, its 
necessarily great future. 

Those interested in the past are referred to the remarks of 
Joshua Potts, Esq., on the Trade of Wilmington in 1815, and 
those of Robert W. Brown, Esq., in 1813 ; and it is suggest- 
ed that a comparison of the statistics of the present with 
those above referred to, contain matters of interest. 

Taking the harbor as it loas, aud, as it is confidently ex- 
pected by those who have studied the matter, it tvill be again, 
by a judicious management of the Government AVorks now 
going on, and completed, we have a capacious harbor, 
easy of access with winds from almost any quarter, perfectly 
land-locked, and the approaches to the Bar well protected 
from the principal storms on our coast, with good anchorage 
ouioide. 

Lying to the Southward of all the dangerous Capes on 
the coast which would interfere with navigation or voyages 
to and from all Sou'-hern, West Indian and South American 
Ports, as well as to Europe, a considerable saving in the 
single item of marine insurance is made. 

By reference to the report of exports hence, it will be seen 
that we furnish cargoes of every thing required in the mar- 
kets of the West ladies and South America, with perhaps 
the single exception of Flour, which will soon be within our 
grasp. Hence we are enabled to furnish full cargoes outward, 
and the return voj-age with cargoes of Sugars, Coffee, 
Fruits, Molasses, and other tropical products would be laid 
down in our market cheaper than in anj/ other on the coast. 



21 

Again, being "headquarters" for Spirits of Turpentine, 
Rosins, Tar, Pitch, Lumber, Timber, &c., we are enabled to 
furnish the European markets with these products on the 
best terms and to receive cargoes in return of their products 
and manufactures hiid down at as low cost as in any^ other 
port. 

This being a great Rail Road centre, with one line extend- 
ing S'outhward and Westward through the Gulf States ; with 
another, in coarse of completion, extending its arms almost 
in an air line to Cincinnati, Louisville, St. Louis, Chicago 
and other cities of the great Northwest ; another extending 
Northward and connecting with lines to every point of the 
country, offer every facility for the safe and rapid distribu- 
tion of importations, and for the return of the products of 
the whole country for exportation. 

By reference to the maps^of the country, it will be seen 
that our claim of being the nearest Port to Cincinnati, 
Louisville, and other cities of the West is a literal fact, the 
advantages of which it is unnecessary to detail to those 
interested. 

Steam communication on the Cape Fear River is had with 
Fayetteville, and by a comparatively small outlay for im- 
provement of the navigation of the upper rivers, which is in 
part complete, would put us in easy reach of the great de- 
posits of Iron, Coal and various^other minerals in which the 
valley of Deep River abounds. The development of these 
mining interest, only^awaits the restoration of our harbor. 
Then, the value of this Port to the General Government 
as a coaling and Naval Station, can hardly be estimated. 

The trade of this Port is steadily and constantly increas- 
ing, and as our harbor improves will continue to do so in 
more rapid proportion. 

Since the late "war between the States" the article of 
Rice, which was at one time among our principal articles of 
Export, has almost ceased to be produced, owing to the in- 
different and hard to be controlled labor. The crop Avill not 
now exceed 10,000 bushels, not^enough for home demand. 

The production of Cotton in this State has been very 



oo 



largely increased, -and alLliougli no accurate figures can be 
given, in consequence of a largo portion leaving the State, 
via the ports of Virginia and South Carolina, it is believed 
that the crop amounts to at least 200,000 bales. At this 
port is handled Cotton from Georgia and South Carolina, as 
well as our own State, and during the year 1871 there were 
exported, principally coastwise, over 95,000 bales. The ex- 
tension of the Wilmington, Charlotte & Rutherford Rail 
Road and its completion, will, it is estimated, at least double 
our receipts of "the Staple." 

Spirits of Turpentine is manufactured to a considerable 
extent in the city, and the whole pine region of this State 
and South Carolina is dotted with numerous distilleries 
worked by owners or tenants of the forests. Most of the 
products find their way to this market. 

Exports of Naval Stores for the past year from this Port 
have been as follovrs : 

Spirits Turpentine, bbls., Coastwise, 64,862, Foreign, 47,162 
Rosins, " " 441,341, " 127,100 

Tar, " " 31,993, " 5,874 

Turpentine, " " 17,126, " 836 

Leaving stocks in Port of Spirits Turpentine, 7,299 bar- 
rels ; Rosins, 72,166 barrels ; Tar, 2,640 barrels, and Crude 
Turpentine,^,842 barrels. 

Pitch is manufactured in sufficient quantity only to supply 
the demand, and the reputation of '* Wilmington Pitch" is 
excelled by none. The manufacture of this article is con- 
fined to the distillers of Turpentine in this city, very little 
being made in the country. 

These articles alone show material to occupy quite 
a fleet of vessels. In this connection, it should be stated 
that no vessel has ever been obliged from choice to leave 
this Port in ballast ! 

The Timber and Lumber trade, though not what it was fif- 
teen years since, has steadily increased^ since the Avar, and 
should soon reach and exceed its former figures. 

Our Shingles, (Cypress and Juniper, or Cedar,) have an 
established reputation in the Northern and West India 



markets, and may be had in quantity to suit any demand, 
from tlie Avide extended and heavily timbered swamps on 
our water courses and Eailways. 

Staves could be had of the best white or red oak to supply 
any demand. At present they are called for almost entirely 
for home consumption. 

Our principal supplies of Corn reach us by sea from the 
Eastern counties ; but our rail connections with the West 
will soon throw the corn and other grain from that section 
into competition. 

The supplies of Wheat, Flour, Tobacco, Bacon, Pork, 
Butter, Beef, Lard, Tallov/, Beeswax, Whiskey, Brandy, and 
other products and manufactures can be laid down here as 
cheap as any point. 

Peanuts are produced to considerable extent in the sur- 
rounding country and form quite a feature in our Domestic 
exports. The crop of 1870-'71 amounted to about 100,000 
bushels of an aggregate value of $200,000. The crop this 
year is largely in excess. 

Among the manufactures of interest and value should be 
mentioned Cane Fibre, by a patented process from the 
swamp cane with whicji our swamps abound, and which m 
reproduced in three years after cutting, and of a quality 
superior to the original growth. The prepared fibre is used 
in the manufacture of paper and papier-mache goods. . 

Barrel Shocks are manufactured to a great extent and 
shipped to Northern markets for the reception of syrups 
from Sugar manufactories. 

Fuel for manufacturing purposes is very cheap, and prin- 
cipally of the surplus sawdust and shavings from Steam Saw 
and Planing mills, which may be had for the asking. Pine 
wood is in abundance at low prices. 

Banking facilities arc by no means sufficient to meet the 
demands of trade ; but as our people recuperate more 
steadily from iho, disastrous effects of their late struggle, 
this want is being supplied. 

In present condition of our Bar and River, vessels draw- 
ing over 12 to 12^ feet require to be lightered to and from a 



poiut outside the "Rip" whence they can always sail with 
15.1 to IG feet. 

Our harbor restored, we confidently expect to find at least 
20 feet at mean low tide on the Bar (with a rise of tide 4 to 
5 feet,) and the removal of obstructions in the River, placed 
there by the authorities during the Revolution of 1776, will 
give us ample water to our docks. 

From the Reports of the Engineers in charge of the work 
of restoring the harbor, it will be seen that the work accom- 
plished is quite satisfactory, and by comparison with the 
regular monthly reports of the Committee of the Chamber 
of Commerce, that the progress of the work is steady, and 
from the gradual formation of sand beach on the outside, 
almost keeping pace with the work itself, that Nature is clQing 
her part fnUy insecitrinr/ the structure, and this fact assures 
us of the permanency of the work. Of the effects of the work 
on our Bar ; it will be seen that there is a constantly, 
though very gradual increase of depth, and the opinion gen- 
erally prevails that the continuation of the work to comple- 
tion, on the {reneral plans as suggested, modified from time 
to time as may be necessary from the action of 
nature, will without doubt result in the complete 
restoration of our harbor to its former capacity. 
The future of our city is then guaranteed ! And the induce- 
ments oftered for clieap and short transportation to a first- 
class harbor on the coast, and for the same by sea to any 
part of the world, will bring to our market sufiicient produce 
to employ a fleet as large as is necessary in any part of the 
country. 

A great deal rests with our own merchants as to whether 
these predictions, for early fulfillment, shall be realized ; and 
it becomes the plainest duty of each and all of us to use 
every honorable exertion to efi'ect a consummation of our 
plans. 



25 

WILMINGTON, N. C, 15th January, 1872. 
tiol. Wm. L. DeRosset, 

President of the Chamber of Commerce : 

Sir — At the regular meeting of the Chamber, on the 11th 
inst., a resohition was passed requesting the Committee on 
Bar and River Improvements to collate all their reports and 
communications to the Chamber, relating to Cape Fear river 
and its improvements ; also, statistics and facts in its history, 
with the probable, direct, and lateral bearing and influence 
which these improvements may have (if successfully carried 
out) upon our commerce, trade, agriculture, and general pro- 
gress. In answer to which, your Committee beg leave to 
report : 

We herewith present duplicates of all the reports which 
have been published, which we can find. Several reports 
inade to the Chamber in the early history of the work, me- 
morials to Congress, and correspondence, of which duplicates 
were not preserved, have been lost or mislaid. 

The earliest reliable information we have of the Cape Fear 
river, its entrance and harbor, is to be found in a Map by 
Edward Moseley, in 1733, and another by James Wimble in 
1738. Both of these maps, although apparently imperfect, 
compared with similar maps of the present day, nevertheless 
represent the harbor as capacious, of good anchorage, well 
land-locked, easy of access, and with four (4) fathoms water 
upon the bar, (supposed at mean low tide.) About this 
draught of water was carried by a bold and direct channel 
on the East &ide of Big Island, to the town of Wilmington. 

The next we hear of the Cape Fear River is through Wheel- 
er's History of North Carolina, (extracted from the London 
Magazine,) giving an account of the most violent equinoctial 
storm which had ever occurred upon the coast, forcing open 
an entrance into the river, at a point known as the haul-over, 
now known as the New Inlet. This storm commenced on tho 
20tli of September, 1761, and lasted for four days. 

This Inlet, from long neglect, has become formidable, de- 
tracting a large portion of the river water from its legitimate 
outlet, to the great detriment of the river and lower harbor. 



20 

In 1775, a Map of Capo Fear River (more accurate in its 
details than tlio two first alluded to) was published in Lon- 
don, which laid down the New Inlet, but does not materially 
vary the harbor, outlet, or draught of water upon the bar, or 
the channel of the river up to the town of Wilmington. 

At a meeting of the Safety Committee of Wilmington, held 
on the 20th of November, 1775, John Ancrum presiding, the 
following preamble and resolutions were passed : 

" The Committee, taking into consideration the damage 
with which the inhabitants of the Cape Fear Eiver are threat- 
ened by the King's ships now in the harbor, and the open 
and avowed contempt and violation of justice in the conduct 
of Governor Martin, who, with the assistance of said ships, 
is endeavoring to carry off the artillery, the property of this 
province, and the gift of his late Majesty of blessed memory, 
for our protection from foreign invasions, have 

" Besolvcd, That Messrs. John Forster, William Wilkinson, 
and John Slingsby, or any one of them, be empowered to 
procure necessary vessels, boats, and chains, to sink in such 
part of the channel as they or any of them may think pro- 
per, to agree for the purchase of such boats and other mate- 
rials as may be wanted ; and to have them valued, that the 
owners may be reimbursed by the public : And it ifi further 
ordered, that the said John Forster & Co. do consult the Com- 
mittee of Brunswick on this measure, and request their con- 
currence." 

A knowledge of the men of that period, with the boister- 
ous circumstances which surrounded them, is sufficient evi- 
dence that this order was implicitly obeyed and effectually 
executed, no report of their action being required or expected. 

Tradition assures us that these obstacles were placed a- 
cross the channel at Big Island. We therefore feel justified 
in saying that the channel, as laid down by all previous maps, 
was, at that time and place, obstructed agreeably to the or- 
der, as subsequent events would seem to imply. From time 
to time, logs, stumps, and other drift matter, brought down 
by freshets, lodged against the obstructions, backing up 
nearly to the narrows, and forming what is known as the flats 
or shoal of logs, which, as it increased, gradually forced the 
water through an opening on the West side of Big Island, 
and in course of time scoured out a channel sufficient to ac- 



27 

commodate the commerce of ilie port, and so remained until 
about tlie year 1826. 

In the year 1797-'98, a survey and map of Cape Fear riv- 
er, its harbor and outlets, was made by Joshua Potts. At 
this time, thirty-seven years after the breaking out of New 
Inlet, we find very little alteration in the harbor or outlet. — 
The Bar representing twenty feet of water, (supposed at 
mean lovv^ tide,) while the channels of the river up to Wil- 
mington had undergone material change, and very much de- 
preciated. 

About the year 1820, the State of North Carolina (failing 
to interest the General Government in the matter) undertt>o^ 
the improvement of the navigation of the river. The work 
was placed in charge of Hamilton Fulton, a Scotch engineer 
of some celebrity, who prosecuted the work for several years 
with little success, not seeming to comprehend the difficulties 
in the way of restoring the old Eastern channel, when, about 
the year 1825, the State was relieved by the General Govern- 
ment, which placed the work in charge of Captain Bache, 
who likewise prosecuted the Avork for some time w^ith no bet- 
ter success, when it was abandoned until about the year 
1855, when the improvement of the harbor was again under- 
taken by the Government, which, in the meantime, had been 
materially damaged by washing away a large portion of the 
beach near New Inlet, bringing the sand into the river, form- 
ing shoals, changing the channel, and filling up to some ex- 
tent the main outlet. It is significant, that as the New Inlet 
widened and deepened, in like proportion the Main Bar 
shoaled, maintaining, however, in the aggregate of both, the 
original standard draught on Main Bar of about twenty-five 
feet, thus proving the eflicieucy of the volume of water pass- 
ing down the river to scour out and maintain one first-class 
bar. 

The work, through inadequate appropriations, progressed 
very slowly for several years, with doubtful success, when 
further appropriations ceased, and the Avork was again aban- 
doned, without gaining any point or accomplishing any ma- 
terial object towards reclaiming the harbor, until 1870, when 
the present work commenced. 



28 

Through the iufluence and efforts of our Senator in Con-r 
ji^rcss, Gen. J. C. Abbott, an appropriation of $100,000 was 
obtained from the 40th Congress, at its session of 18G9-'70, 
for the improvement of Cape Fear river, wliich became avail- 
able in July, 1870. 

This work was assigned to the department iuchided in the 
charge of Gou. J. H. Simpson, U. S. A. Preparations were 
commenced in August, and active operations upon the break- 
water, starting from the northern point of Smith's Island 
beach, crossing Deep Inlet in the direction of Zeke's Island, 
were cornmenced in Septernber, 1870, by Major Walter Gris- 
wold, Assistant Engineer. 

In November, General Simpson was relieved of duty here, 
and the work was assignetl to the department under the 
charge of Col, Wm. P. Craighill, 

Through the same influence and efforts a second appro- 
priation of $75,000 was obtained from the 41st Congress, 
session of 1S70-'71, which became available in July, 1871. 

Of the progress of the work, we beg to refer to our monthly' 
reports to the Chamber. Owing to the inadequacy of the 
appropriations the work has necessarily progressed very 
slowly, but by judicious management much has been accomr 
plishod. Up to this time over one thousand feet of the 
break-water has been finished and permanently secured over 
the most difficult and expensive part of the line. In addition 
to which, a considerable portion of the beach hap been re- 
claimed and secured, which was in a dangerous and exposed 
condition. The introduction of the cultivation of the "Caro- 
lina Beach Grass" promises miicli towards increasing and 
strengthening the beach, as well as protecting it in the 
future. 

From the foregoing statement it is evident that the Cape 
Fear Harbor once enjoyed all the advantages and facilities 
which it is now claimed that she can, and of right, ought again 
to enjoy : the only question on the subject is, as to the prac- 
ticability of its restoration. This question we consider fully 
f^ettled, as well by experience and observation in the past, 
as the trite axiom that whatever has been may bo again. 



29 

A kindly feeling aud^generous spirit exercised toward us 
at this time by Congress and the proper /leparfcments of the 
Government, will reclaim and secure one of the most valua- 
ble harbors on the Atlantic coast. 

The Government has heretofore done very little for North 
Carolina, and that little has been doled out as though in 
mere charity, in such inadequate "amounts as really to ac- 
complish no tangible ' good, while millions of the public 
treasure have been'lavished^upon far less worthy objects. 

That the Goverment has, for over a century, neglected 
her duty in repairing this harbor until the damage has 
become formidable, can surely be no justiacation for longer 
delay. 

And that she has likewise, for near a century, neglected, 
to remove obstructions from the channel of the river, placed 
there by our ancestors as a me^ns of public defence in their 
terrible struggle for independence of Great Britain, certainly 
cannot be used as a pretext for longer delay, while our com- 
merce and trade languish, and our ^tate, without an em- 
porium, impoverished thereby. 

Moreover, it is manifestly the best interest of the Govern- 
ment to restore this harbor eflfectually and speedily, and she 
would but display her wisdom and foresight in so doing at 
any cost. Why and Svhereforo ? 

She tvould therehy secure a long needed desideratum. A harbor 
of refuge and convenience, exactly where the commerce 
and navy of the country require it, intermediate between 
the Northern and Southern sections of the coiintry ; in fact, 
upon the exact line of division, ^ with all the advantages of 
both, and subject to the disadvantagesof neither ; capacious 
and well land-locked ; easy of access for vessels of large 
class, with good anchorage, while Smith's Island stands a 
perfect and permanent protecjiion to the outlet ; with a cli- 
mate excelled by 210 other in salubrity ; situated within one 
hundred and fifty miles of the finest and most varied mineral 
district in the country, (including steaming coal of fine 
quality, and abundant supply,) accessible^by water naviga- 
tion or by railroad. 



30 

At trifliDfj cost this harbor coukl be counectecl by an in- 
land water communication with the entire seacoast lying be- 
tween the Chesapeake Bay and Winyaw Bay, which abounds 
in the finest live oak and cedar timber, thus affording to the 
Government every requisite for a naval station, while it 
would prove a most convenient coaling station for general 
.commerce. 

The port of Wilmington is well watered, and the Cape 
Fear river water has long been acknowledged as of superior 
quality for ship use on long voyages. 

We now proximate the concluding paragraph of your 
resolution ; the bearing and effect the restoration of this 
harbor will probably have upon commerce, trade, agriculture 
.and general progress. 

One important effect it would probaldy have v.'ould be to 
admit to our shore '■emigrant ships," laden with the surplus 
population of Europe, to people our country with hardy, 
laboring citizens, who will utilize our abundant forests and 
waste places, cultivate our lands, work our mines, and put in 
motion factories and workshops, not yet dreamed of. It 
would be well to remember that any attempt to introduce 
foreign labor into our State, through the ports of other 
States, to some extent must prove abortive. 

Another probable effect would be to give a new impetus to 
" internal ■improvements.''' People must and will have cheap 
and convenient highwa3's to market, at least, and the people's 
interest in this matter will be the interest of the country at 
large, as all history conclusively establishes. Eailroads and 
canals, not now thought of, will radiate in every direction ; 
unnavigablo rivers and creeks will be cleaned out and made 
navigable, and remote corners of the country opened to 
market. 

Existing railroads will be strengthened and stimulated to 
push their lines through the mountains into the rich valley 
of the Mississippi, and shake hands with the great cities of 
the West. 

Through the influence of this " restored harhor " commerce 
and trade will lift their drooping heads and smile again. 



31 

By rcfercncG to tlio maps of tlio country it will be seen 
that Chicago, St. Louis, Cincinnati and Louisville are as 
near, if not nearer to Wilmington, than to any other seaport 
of the Atlantic coast, while Memphis is about the same dis- 
trnce as to Charleston, and a trifle further than to Savannah. 

Our position and facilities for trade with the West Indies 
and " South America " give us decided advantages over any 
other city of the Atlantic coast as a market for coffee, sugar, 
molasses, salt, guano and all other productions of those 
countries, which can be exchanged with our "Western friends 
for corn, wheat, flour, bacon, lard and other productions of 
that region, to say nothing of our home productions — timber, 
lumber and naval stores. 

Our port being south of all the dangerous capes and shoals, 
of the coast, subjects us to less time and hazard, consequently 
more dispatch and less insurance in the conduct of the trade, 
while our facilities for an European trade would be as good 
or better than the average of shipping ports. 

We therefore respectfully invite the attention of the cities 
and States of the Western and Northwestetn country to this 
subject, to investigate it and see whether their interest is not 
identified with ours sufiiciently to justify a joint appeal to tho 
Congress of the United States, through our representatives, 
for the perfect restoration of Cape Fear harbor. 

By reference to the report of a committee of the 4:0th Con- 
gress, on the policy of extending government aid to addition- 
al railroads to the Pacific, it will be seen that Wilmington on 
the Atlantic, Memphis on the Mississippi, and San Diego on 
the Pacific, form almost a straight line, and very nearly up- 
on the same parallel of latitude. This line passes through 
an apparently favorable country for the location of such a 
road, more direct, and promising much less cost of construc- 
tion per mile, and far less of mileage in crossing the conti- 
nent, than any other finished or proposed line ; moreover, 
being more exempt from disasters and detentions from tho 
ice and snows of winter. 

This road will surely be built, and that at no distant day. 
Would it, therefore, be considered presumption in us to as- 



32 

piro to a participation in tlio traffic of this road and its con- 
nections ? Why not, if we are in condition to invite it hj 
snfficient inducements ? 

" To ouii City," and its commerce, with all the ramilBca- 
tions of general progress, the benefits would bo unbounded 
— their details would prove too lengthy for this communica- 
tion. 

" To OUR State," it would be her " pride " to point to an 
"Emporium" in every respect worthy of her, which at once, 
and forever, emancipates her from the humiliating commer- 
cial vassalage to other States under which she has so long- 
labored, securing to her own citizens all the benefits arising 
from an import and export trade. 

In conclusion, your Committee beg leave to express the 
opinion, that the restoration of Cape Fear Harbor and River is 
the "pivot," the TURNING POINT, in the future prosperity of 
Wilmington — the Honor and Grandeur of North Carolina 
—ivhile it places a hriUiaut jeicel in the coronet of the United 
States of America. 

HENEY NUTT, Chairman. 



"OUR BARS AND RIYER."^ 



We give below the interesting report submitted to th'o 
Chamber of Commerce of this city at the last regular meet- 
ing, by the Committee appointedfor that purpose, in relation 
to our bars and river. There is much in this report of his- 
torical interest, and the comparison of the present disadvan- 
tages of our bars, with the former natural advantages, should 
beget the resolve in the minds of those interested (and who 
is not) to try every means in their power to have it properly 
improved. We think that we have a right to expect some 
aid from Congress, and hope the matter will be put through. 
The report is as follows : 



33 

To the President and Blemhers of the 

Chamher of Commerce of the City of Wilmington^ N. C: 
Your Committee, appointed in August last, to consider tlio 
present condition of our " Bars and Eiver," and to investi- 
gate the causes leading to the constant depreciation of the 
draught of water upon the same, and of suggesting some 
plan of arresting the damaging effects upon our navigation 
by further neglect and delay, beg leave to report that they 
have diligently searched, but without success, for some of 
the old charts and surveys of the bars and river, made prior 
to the year 1820, and before the breaking out of New Inlet, 
which were known to be extant, and in possession of your 
Chamber and many of our citizens prior to the breaking out 
of hostilities between the sections. All seem to have been 
destroyed or lost. None could be found except those made 
under the direction of the United States Coast Survey since 
the year 1820. These were procured from Washington City 
through the courtesy of our Collector, D. Rumley, Esq. — 
Those old charts were deemed essential in making a compari- 
son of the draught of water upon the bar, and the position of 
the channels before and after the breaking out of New Inlet, 
which would better enable your Committee to offer direct 
and positive recorded evidence of the causes which produced 
the present depreciated condition of our navigation, and the 
almost certainty of continued depreciation, unless speedily 
a,rrested. 

Your Committee, therefore, find themselves under the ne- 
cessity of offering for your consideration facts from memory 
only, contained in the traditionary history of the country. — 
James Newton, an old and highly respectable pilot, who was 
born and raised, lived and died, near Federal Point, told one 
of your Committee a short time before his death, (a few years 
ago,) that he well remembered the first breaking out of New 
Inlet, during the prevalence of a long and terrific Northeast 
gale, in the month of September, 1781. That prior to that 
time he had frequently walked and ridden to Bald Head 
Beach, now Smith's Island. 

The late Caj)t. Thomas N. Gautier, who was a merchant of 



34 

this place dnring the period of time included between the 
years 1790 and 1810, told one of your Committee that, du- 
ring that period, among many others, he had loaded one ship 
to thirty feet draught, which proceeded down the river and 
to sea, on her voyage to London, without difficulty or inter- 
ruption. 

During the years 1797-08, about eighteen years after the 
first breaking out of New Inlet, and twenty years before it 
came into use for the smallest sized sailing craft, a survey of 
Cape Fear bar and harbor was made bj the late Joshua 
Potts, (an engineer of some celebrity,) eshibiting a draught 
of water on Main Bar of twenty-four or twenty-five feet at 
mean low tide. Older charts than this exhibit a greater 
draught of water, particulars of which, however, are not ac- 
curately remembered by your Committee. Many old citi- 
zens, now living, remember to have seen, at our wharves, 
vessels drawing fifteen to eighteen feet water. But, about 
the year 1820, as the depth of water increased on New Inlet, 
in like proportion it diminished on the Main Bar, maintain- 
ing upon both the aggregate of about twenty-five feet. These 
facts in the history of the past are conclusive evidence, in 
the minds of your Committee, that the true and real cause of 
the present alarming condition of the navigation of our bars 
and river, is to be found in the existence of the new inlets, 
and that alone. 

One of your Committee, at least, is able to testify, from his 
own observations of the operations of closing those inlets 
just prior to the commencement of hostilities, of the perfect 
practicability and ease v/ith which the work was accomplish- 
ed. Feeling, therefore, the utmost confidence in the j)racti- 
cability of restoring to our jprt and State the advantages of 
our former and natural commerce and trade, and, feeling it 
to be perfectly competent and within the province of tho 
government of tho United States, at comparatively trifling 
cost, to accomplish this great end, we recommend your body, 
without delay, to memorialize Congress through our Senator, 
General Abbott, and request the co-operation of all our del- 
egation to Congress, in urging upon that body tho impor- 



tance and absolute necessity of prompt and efficient action 
in saying from utter destruction an important port, at an im- 
portant point on tlie Southern coast, wliich will be worth 
millions to the commerce of the country. 
All of which IS respectfully submitted. 

(Signed) HENRY NUTT, ) Com- 

JOHN WILDER ATKINSON, V m i t - 
JAS. H. CHADBOURN, ) tee. 

13th December, 1868. 



WILMINGTON, N. C, 13th Octobee, 18G9. 
To the President and 3Iemhers 

Of the Chariiher of Commerce : 

Tour Committee, to whom was referred the subject matter 
connected with the condition and improvement of our Bars 
and River, beg leave to report that the subject has had their 
utmost consideration. 

At the last session of the Congress of the United States, 
our Senator, Gen. Abbott, who seems to take a lively interest 
in the enterprise, as also other members of the North Caro- 
lina delegation, introduced a bill into that body, making an 
appropriation for the work, which was referred to the legiti- 
mate committee for consideration ; but, owing to an extraor- 
dinary press of what was deemed more important business, 
this bill was not reached before the adjournment of Con- 
gress, and did not receive its proper consideration. Other 
means were used by our Senator for accomplishing the pur- 
pose, by attaching it to the general appropriation bill, but 
without success. 

During the past summer, at the suggestion of your Com- 
mittee, General Abbott invited three prominent members of 
Congress, who were passing South through our city on offi- 
cial business, to spend a day with us, in a reconnoisance of 
the bars and xiver. The day and tides were favorable for 
Uie excursion, and they expressed much satisfaction at the 



36 

visit, and conviction of the importance of the proposed work, 
as well as the necessity of prompt action by Congress for the 
preservation of the port. From all which, your Committee 
feel assured of the co-operation of Messrs. Bingham, El- 
dridge, and Loughridge, when the subject shall come up for 
final action by Congress. Upon a review of the whole sub- 
ject, your Committee feel greatly encouraged that something 
effective will be accomplished at the approaching session of 
Congress. 

Your Committee feel assured that the heart and soul of 
General Abbot fc is in this matter, and that, with his known 
energy and perseverance, no stone will be left unturned for 
the consummation of its accomplishment. And in this view 
of the subject, he suggests, and asks your body to appoint 
and send to "Washington, during the session of Congress this 
winter, a committee, to co-operate with him, inasmuch as a 
large portion of his time, which should be devoted to outside 
service and canvassing the subject, will be required in the 
house. 

All of which is respectfully submitted. 

H. NUTT, Chairman. 



HARBOR REPORT. 



To the Honorable the Mayor 

And Board of Aldermen of the City of Wilmington : 
Gentlemen : — In compliance with your request, of the 10th 
ult., I proceeded to "Washington City for the purpose of 
submitting a plan to the United States Government, by which 
the necessary improvements on the bar, commonly known as 
the " Old Ship Channel Bar," could be attempted with a 
comparatively small outlay, and a fair chance of getting from 



Q 



7 



12 to 13 feet water at mean low tide over this bar, which 
would give us from 16A to 17^ feet at high tide. 

On mj arrival at Washington, I laid my plan before Sena- 
tor Abbott and Eepresentative Dockery, and after satisfying 
them of the feasibility of the same, consulted with them as 
to the best mode by which we could most easily obtain the 
amount necessary to begin practically our attempts of im- 
provements with as little delay as possible ; for, in my opin- 
ion, judging from the changes which have taken place since 
1865, as shown by the last partial survey of 1869, by United 
States Coast Survey, we have no time to lose in making a be- 
ginning, and so avoid the danger of our bar's being shoaled 
to an extent that would prevent any but vessels of very small 
draught to enter our harbor. 

In accordance with the advice and assistance of these gen- 
tlemen, I proceeded to Ihe respective departments to which 
all matters on improvements of this kind are referred, and 
urged on them the immediate necessity of the case, indica- 
ted my plan by which this work could be commenced, and 
am happy to state that the Superintendent of the Coast Sur- 
vey recommends, in his report to Senator Abbott, the neces- 
sity of the improvement, and that one hundred thousand dol- 
lars be api^ropriated for the commencement of the work. 

The bar, in the Old Ship Channel, which I selected for im- 
provement, has shoaled two and a half feet in the last five 
years, and therefore any procrastination in the work will be 
injurious to our commerce, as I believe it can be shown that 
year by year since 1840 the obstruction has increased, and 
unless spe edy action is taken it will result in the total de- 
struction of our harbor. I base my opinion on data gained 
from different surveys, made from the year 1733 to 1869. 

On the survey of 1733, a depth of 21 feet is shown in the 
ship channel at mean low water, and in 1869 only 5.^ feet can 
be found in the same channel. The most rapid decrease of 
water on the bar begins from 1840, after the United States 
Government had put down jetties for the protection of the 
shore off Fort Caswell. At this date there were 15 feet of 



■water on each of the three bars. Yon will, therefore, readi- 
ly see why I consider delay in beginning practical operations 
detrimental to our harbor, and vf ould suggest to your honor- 
able body that, should the earnest efforts of our Senator and 
Representative fail in obtaining the necessary means to be- 
gin the work, that you should urge on the State Legislature 
to make an appropriation of fifty thousand dollars for this 
purpose, with a view to have it refunded by the General Gov- 
ernment at some future time. 

Certmnly this harbor is of too much importance, not only 
to the city of Wilmington but to the whole State of North 
Carolina, to be neglected. We have now most of our rail 
roads centering and terminating in this place, and therefore 
the closing of our harbor for larger vessels would put us at 
the mercy of railroads, and no outlet could be had for our pro- 
ducts but by the ports of other States. This condition of af- 
fairs of course would be a great loss to the whole State, as 
our producers would not be able to compete with those of 
other States, for the simple reason that we could not ship 
our goods at the same rates as merchants of more favored 
localities, where vessels can land and take merchandise from 
their wharves, and receive the eame without paying light- 
erage. 

It is with pleasure I inform your honorable body that I 
have the assurance of the heads of Bureaus, as well as of 
Congressmen having the matter in charge, that the claims 
of Wilmington will not be forgotten, and that the plan I have 
suggested will be adopted. 

Our immediate representatives have the matter in hand, 
and I had the assurance of Senator Abbott— just before leav- 
ing — that all of the Committee having the matter in charge, 
were in favor of appropriating the amount I ask, and as yet 
there is no appropriation. 

In conclusion, I would remark that, with the assistance of 
Mr. Charles I. Grady, the editor of the Post, I prepared and 
had presented an elaborate argument, " Why the port of 
Wilmington should have a part of the money so lavishly giv- 



S9 

'3n by the government to ports in tlie Western and Easteirs 
States." This argument will be presented 'j^by General 
\bbott in the Senate, and we have every reason to believe 
vill be effective. 

Kespectfullv yours, 

ALEX. STEAUSS. 
Maech eth, 1870. 



RESOLUTIONS 
OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN, OF THE CITY OF WIL- 
MINGTON, NOVEMBER 28th, 1870. 

Whereas, The importance of farther appropriation by 
the Congress of the United States to the improvement of the 
Cape Fear Bar is most apparent, in view of the present un- 
finished condition of the work, and the great benefits daily 
developing as it progresses. 

Resolved, That the Mayor and Aldermen of the city of Wil" 
mingtou do most earnestly urge upon Congress the claims of 
this work, and respectfully request the Senators and Repre- 
sentatives in Congress from this State to bring the matter 
before their several Houses, and solicit liberal appropriations 
to this truly national work. 

Be it further resolved, That a copy of this resolution be sent 
to each member of Congress at Washington. 



RIVER AND BAR IMPROVEMENTS. 



Major Walter Griswold, of the U. S. Engineer Corps, whO' 
is in charge of the Capo Fear River and Bar Improvements, 
now in progress, has just completed a detailed report of his 
operations, addressed to Col. W. P. Craighill, of the Engi- 
neer Corps, and through him to be forwarded in reply to res- 



40 

olution of the U. S. Senate, recently adopted, asking for in- 
formation in regard to the progress of these works. The 
report is elaborate and is very encouraging, and we hope 
that the good which beyond a doubt has been already ac- 
complished, may induce the Congress to vote continued ap- 
propriations to the work. 

Those of our readers who were ante helium residents of the 
city, may remember that there was once a little sand strip on. 
the South side of New Inlet bar, and opposite Fort Fisher, 
called Zeke's Island. This was separated on the South, by 
a shallow inlet, from Smith's Island, which is a long, low 
tract, running down the Cape Fear, widening as it goes. — 
Zeke's Island has been gradually washed away by Easterly 
winds and tides until but little of it now remains ; and it is 
here, from along the Zeke's Island sand bar, across the shal- 
low inlet, and on the upper part of Smith's Island, that the 
great injury to the river and bar has been done. A high 
Easterly wind drives the water over these points, and it car- 
ries with it as it goes large masses of sand, which fall into 
the sound and marshes known as Buzzard's Bay. These are 
affected by the tidal currents, and are gradually taken up 
and carried down the channel, some of them being deposited 
in the river, and others stopping on what is known as the 
Kip, on Main Bar, opposite Fort Caswell. 

Having carefully ascertained these facts, the officers in 
charge knew just where to proceed — like the physician, hav- 
ing made a careful diagnosis of the disease, their skill and 
experience at once suggested the remedy. 

The object of their labors thus far has been to build aline 
of obstructions from a point on Zeke's Island to the North, 
to Smith's Island on the South, of sufficient strength and 
ability to successfully resist the action of the waves. They 
know that, this once accomplished, there would be less wash- 
ing of the sand from the bay into the river, because there 
could be no tide from the ocean, at that point, to force it 
away. These obstructions are not yet completed, but alrea- 
dy a favorable change has been noted. The channel at New 
Inlet has been improved, and the pilots report a gradual in- 



41 

crease of water on the Rip at Main Bar, all of which can be 
directly traced to the influence of the obstructions. 

As the work has proceeded, a new idea has been developed 
to Gen. Simpson, the chief officer, which is, that New Inlet 
itself may be successfully obstructed, and the channel of the 
river and tiLe Main Bar thus become washed out and im- 
proved. By obstructing New Inlet, and by the use of a steam 
dredge, it is felt sure that our bar can be restored to its ori- 
ginal depth, and that the largest ships can be floated over it 
safely. In the meantime, it is supposed that the large ex- 
panse of water known as Buzzard's Bay will be gradually fill- 
ed up by sand washing down from the banks of Smith's Is- 
land, and which cannot be carried into the channel of the 
river, or across to the bar, as we have heretofore explained, 
for the want of tidal action. 

We have written more than we intended, which was to 
merely give an outline of the facts stated, and the sugges- 
tions made in the report to be submitted by Maj. Griswold. 
The b^ieficial effects of the work, even thus far, are already 
plain and unequivocal ; and if such is the case now, how 
much greater must be the improvement when the work of 
closing the gap between Zeke's and Smith's Island is com- 
pleted, to say nothing of the total regeneration of our port, 
should the imj)rovements be extended to the entire closing 
of New Inlet. 

The advantages to be derivea from a continuation of the 
work are plain and manifest, and money is all that is needed 
to carry the enterprise through. On the contrary, should 
Congress grant no further aid, and the work be therefore 
compelled to stop, all the money thus far expended will have 
proved not only unavailing but an absolute waste, and "Wil- 
mington may at once, for at least a century to come, take a 
back seat among the third and fourth rate towns. — Journal 
Editorial, January 20, 1871. 



42 

COL. CKAIGHILL^S REPORT TO GEN'L HUM- 
PHREYS, 



BALTIMORE, Jan'y 23d, 1871. 

General : — I have the honor to acknowledge the reference 
to me for report, of the Senate resokition of January 13th, 
(received 20th,) calling for information as to the progress of 
the work of improvement at the mouth of the Cape Fear 
River in North Carolina. 

The object of this improvement is evident from the follow- 
ing extract from the report of a commission of distinguished 
men, who elaborately examined and discussed the subject in 
1853: 

" We find that a harbor which once afforded easy access 
to vessels drawing nineteen feet of water, will now only ad- 
mit those with less than thirteen, and we cannot but regard 
this deterioration as a great national misfortune, and the 
restoration of the Inlet to its original state as a work de- 
manded by the general interests of commerce, both in peace 
and war." 

The importance of the improvement is w^ell illustrated by ' 
a further extract from the report already referred to : 

" Beaufort Harbor, ninety miles East of Cape Fear, is the 
only harbor of refuge for vessels drawing over thirteen feet 
between the mouth of the Chesapeake and Charleston, along 
a coast exposed to frequent and violent Easterly winds and 
storms." 

An inspection of any general map of the coast will show 
the importance to our shipping of a port of refuge, a place 
of repairs and supplies at the Cape Fear, which may be re- 
garded as the head or more retired part of the great bend in 
which vessels frequently encounter Easterl}^ or Southeasterly 
storms, and where annually many are wrecked, and more 
still dismasted and otherwise crippled. 

The immense trade carried on between points South of 
the Cape Fear — New Orleans, Mobile, Pensacola, Key West, 
Savannah, and Charleston, and the Northern cities, Balti- 
more, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, &c., and between the 



4o 

former cities and EiiropB. is maintained in vessels drawing 
about fifteen or eighteen feet of water, and the larger part of 
it passes along the coast of iNorth Carolina, near the mouth 
of the Cape Fear. Can any one calculate the utility of this 
port as a port of refuge ? — a place of escape from the ele- 
ments and the enemy ; — a place of supply and repairs when 
crippled, for vessels of that class in time of war. 

Other nations, at enormous expense, have made artificial 
harbors on coa«ts not badly supplied with natural ones. — 
Shall not we, at comparatively small expense, restore what 
nature once furnished ? Ai'e not the arguments which justi- 
fy and require the erection of lighthouses applicable to this 
improvement ? 

In the late war of the rebellion, Wilmington was among 
the last places of importance on the Atlantic to succumb to 
the power of the United States ; and the entrance to the 
Cape Fear Kiver was guarded with the utmost vigor and te- 
nacity. Its great value in time of war, to those holding it, 
was fully manifested. 

In past years, considerable sums have been spent by the 
State and by the United States in the improvement of the 
navigation of the river above its mouth. At present the 
depth of water which can be carried from the ocean into the 
river is considerably less than what is available in the river 
after the entrance is made. All efforts at improvement 
should therefore be directed to the baTS at the mouth of the 
river. 

There are two entrances to the Cape Fear. What may be 
called the old mouth is between Bald Head and Oak Island, 
in width about one mile and three-eighths. In this opening 
there are two channels — the Eastern, which hugs the bend of 
Bald Head, and tlie Western, which bends along the land of 
Oak Island. The other entrance is called New Inlet, although 
it has been open since about 1780, or nearly a century. It is 
distant about seven miles from Bald Head, and is about 
three-quarters of a mile in width, between Federal Point and 
Zeke's Island. Just to the South of New Inlet are found 
several openings through Zeke's Island, which are not naYiga- 



44 

ble, although thoy, like New Inlet, arc tiio chaanels through 
■svliicli passes much of the Avater that would, if they did uot 
exist, flow through the main entrance of the river. 

The bars at the Old Inlet have shoaled greatly since the 
opening of the New Inlet, which diminishes by a vast amount 
the volume of water which otherwise would, and formerly 
did, pass in and out at the main entrance during every tide. 
Another cause of shoaling of the bars at the main entrance 
has been the wearing away of a portion of Smith's Island, 
especially at Bald Head, and a consequent deposition on the 
already existing shoals forming the bars. 

The plan of improvement has been first to check (his wear- 
ing away of Smith's Island, and the consequent deposition 
on the bars, by the construction of suitable works for the 
protection of the shore of the Island, which was successfully 
accomplished about fifteen years ago. The next step was to 
attempt to restore, to some extent, the old condition of things 
in the river, by closing the openings through Zeke's Island. 
This was successfully dcue in 185G, and a beach had formed 
in front of the works, closing them. In 1857, the Southern 
coast was visited by the most severe storm of which there is 
any record in that country. The works last referred to were 
unable to resist its violence, and were greatly injured. With 
reference to this matter, the following is the opinion of the 
commission of 1853. composed of some of the ablest men in 
the country : 

" Had the whole amount of money estimated as the cost of 
this work been appropriated, there is no doubt that the 
works would have been made strong enough to resist even 
this storm." 

This is a very important statement, and deserving the most 
careful consideration at this time. 

At the last session of Congress, an appropriation of one 
hundred thousand dollars was made for the Cape Fear Eiv- 
er. The renewal and strengthening of the work at Zeke's 
Island was immediately undertaken in the most energetic 
manner. About $00,000 have been expended up to this time, 
leaving $40,000 for carrying on the work during the remain- 
der of the current fiscal vear. More than twice that sum 



45 

could be expended before July 1st, with the greatest advan- 
tage, if avaihable. The accumulation of sand follows the 
work as it is carried onward from the point of beginning, 
and an improvement in the depth of water in the channel is 
reported by those navigating it. 

My predecessor, Col. J. H. Simpson, Corps of Engineers, 
estimated that the construction of this breakwater at Zeke's 
Island would require $157,000 in addition to the $100,000 
already appropriated, and asked only two-thirds of this 
amount for the next fiscal year. His arrangements for con- 
ducting the work were so good, and its progress and its re- 
sults have been so satisfactory, that it is highly expedient, 
in my judgment, to ajDpropriate at once, and make available 
for immediate expenditure, the total balance of $157,000 ; 
and I earnestly recommend that the adoption of that view 
be urged upon Congress. 

The appliances for carrying on the work, in the way of an 
organized force, means of transportation, quarters, a steady 
supply of excellent materials at fair rates, &c., are now very 
good. To get the best results, this machine of many parts 
should be worked continuously up to its best time. For this 
purpose, a liberal and immediate appropriation is essential. 
A failure to appropriate any money for the next fiscal year 
would be as poor a piece of policy as that of an individual 
who would half finish his dwelling house, and then leave it 
exposed to injury and ruin from ravages of the elements. 

The following is an important statement, which is taken 
from the report of the commission of 1858 : 

" The works recommended by the board of 1853, were, in 
the opinion of the commission, entirely efficient, so far as 
they were carried out, having, as is shoAvn by the Coast Sur- 
vey maps, caused an increase in the depth of the Oak Island 
channel of between one and two feet." 

It is likely that this good effect, produced in one year, 
would have been much increased, had the works remained. 
The fact that immediately after the destruction of the Zeke's 
Island works the Oak Island channel began to shoal, is con- 
elusive, taken in connection with its previous deepening, that 
the latter efi'ect was produced by the Zeke's Island works. 



40 

The commission of 1858 recommended, as the next step in 
the improvement, the protection of the Northern portion of 
Smith's Island, where it is low and narrow. They were of 
the opinion that when the openings at Zeke's Island were 
closed, (the work now in progress,) and the outer beach of 
Smith's Island thoroiTghly protected, the depth on the main 
entrance would be found to increase materially. The^^ fur- 
ther recommend that the main entrance should be carefully 
watched, and if its depth, in the course of two or three years, 
should not increase so as to permit the passage of vessels 
drawing the amount of water which can be carried up to "Wil- 
mington in the river, the closing of New Inlet should be un- 
dertaken. 

The closing of New Inlet has been opposed by some per- 
sons. Tliey say that its bar is as good as that of the old 
mouth of the river, and the entrance easier during certain 
%vinds ; that for the greater number of vessels trading to and 
fi'om Wilmington the New Inlet is much the shortest en- 
trance, and the safest, boccuse avoiding the danger of the 
Frying Pan Shoals. 

Some persons also have advocated dredging in one or the 
other of the channels. It was the opinion of the commission 
of 1853, that there was rock underlying the bar of New In- 
let, T/liich would make its improvement by dredging proba- 
bly impracticable to any great extent, especially as its posi- 
tion is very much exposed. Other persons have proposed 
the diversion of the river from the old channel to the New 
Inlet, and the concentration upon the New Inlet of all efforts 
for the improvement of the entrance. 

The great cost of these operations leads to their rejection, 
even if we leave out of consideration the improbability of 
success in an effort to obtain as great a depth in the New 
Inlet as is known to have already existed in former times in 
the Old Inlet. The time has not yet arrived for deciding 
definitely as to the propriety or necossitj^ of closing New In- 
let, or of any advantage to be gained by dredging in either 
channel of the Old Inlet. 

The work now in progress at Zeke's Island is an impor- 



4T 

tant, a necessary, preliminary to gaining greater deptli of 
water by eitlier Inlet, and should be vigorously prosecuted, 
in advance of a determination of tlie question of closing or 
leaving open New Inlet, and the other question of resort ta 
dredging to induce a more speedy return to the original con- 
dition of affairs at the Old Inlet. 

I transmit an interesting report from She local Assistant 
Engineer. I made an examination of the work January 20th, 
as well as of Bald Head and other points in the river. Its 
progress has been all that could have been expected, and the 
effects in its immediate vicinity, which are visible to the eye,. 
are certainly extraordinary. 

The reported changes on the bars might reasonably be ex- 
pected, and are very encouraging. The results of the work 
now in progress are sufficient evidence of the importance of 
carrying out the present plan. I have directed a careful 
daily watch to be kept of the action of the sea upon the ex- 
j)osed portions of Smith's Island, and the shore lines will be 
run once a month. 

The immediate appropriation of $157,000 for this work is 
urgently recommended. 

Yery respectfully, your ob't serv't, 

(Signed) WM. P. CKAIGHILL, 

Maj. Engineers.- 
Brio. Gen'l A. A. Humpheeys, 

Chief of Engineers U. S. A., Washingto2l, D. C. 



WILMINGTON, N. C, 6th Maech, 1872. 
To Dr. W. W. Earriss, 

President of the Chamher of Commerce :' 
Sir : — Availing myself of an invitation from Maj. Griswold 
to visit the public works under his charge at New Inlet, for 
the improvement of Cape Fear Bar and Harbor, I accom- 
panied him and his assistant, Mr. Benton, down the river 
to-day. 



45 

The AV Gather being suitable, wo had a fine appottunity of 
silrvejing the situation, both during the ebb and flood tides. 
Presuming it would interest you and the Chamber to kn0"rt^ 
of the situation and progress of the Avork, I |;beg leave to 
report my observations. 

At the commencement, the line of stone' work put down 
some years since between Zeke's Island and -'the belt of 
beach connecting with Smith's Island, is distinctly traceable 
at low tide, running in a line northwest and southeast. The 
task of renewing this work and preparing it to resist storm 
and flood is comparatively trifling. At the northern end of 
this line of stone Avork a breach has been made about six 
hundred feet wide and about ten feet depth of Avater in the 
deepest part of it, Aveaiing aAvay a considerable portion of 
l^eke's Island. Around the southern end of this old stone 
AVork, being in the bend or angle formed by these works 
and the line of beach, another and most formidable passage 
Avas made, about or near six hundred feet Avide and thirty- 
seven feet deep. To AvestAvard and soutliAvard from this 
point stretches out an immense sheet of Avater, knoAvn as 
Buzzard's Bay, the Avater of which being acted upon by the 
downward course of the river water on the Avestern shore, 
produces a most voilent counter current through this passage 
to the ocean level, hence the great depth of Avater it has 
attained. The Engineer in charge has not been slow in 
l^erceiving the formidable character of this enemy or the 
importance of closing these passages to Zeke's Island, 
thereby forcing this vast volume of water through its natural 
outlet at the mouth of the river ; neither has he been slow in 
his operations. He very wisely determinetT to commence 
operations upon the northern point of the beach by sinking 
cribs of heavy timber, tAventy by thirty feet, filled with stone, 
across the inlet, in line AVith the old works. About four 
hundred and seA'enty lineal feet of cribs have been placed in 
position, three hundred and eighty feet of which has been 
covered Avith the finishing superstructure, Avhile ninety feet 
are now ready to rccieve the same. Tavo more cribs are 
now ready to be placed in jjosition during this week. 



49 . 

Thus far the -u'ork lias been attended with eminent success ; 
the agitation of the water in its obstruction has had the 
effect of depositing the sand against the works as far and as 
fast as finished, almost to the top of the superstructure, 
where thirty-seven feet of water existed but a few days since. 
I also find sand shoals, some of them bare at low tide, 
forming in all directions, inside and out, where ten to twenty 
feet of water existed but a short time ago. The ocean line 
of beach, far away to the southward, is rapidly widening and 
tilling. Nov is this all. I am imformed that since the com- 
mencement of this work a considerable change has been 
effected in the current and channels of the bars and river, 
and that the Kip near Fort Caswell is preceptibly wearing 
away. Thus far the work appears a flattering success, much 
of which may be attributed to the practical good sense 
and judicious management of the Engineer in charge, and 
of the prompt, energetic co-operation of Mr. Cunningham, 
Superintendent of the work. In such hands I feci every 
confidence in the final and complete realization of our an- 
ticipation, provided they are properly sustained by the 
Congress of the United States. This accomplishment will 
cheer the drooping spirits of the merchants and traders of 
the city of Wilmington, as well as the citizens of the State 
at large, by restoring to the State her long lost harbor, one 
inferior to none upon the Southern Atlantic coast, and 
altogether worthy of her, and by the establishment of an 
emporium within her own borders which will emancipate 
her from the commercial vassalage to neighboring States, 
under which she has groaned for ninety long /ears. 

Closing the old or principal inlet, I regard as of minor 
importance comparatively. Nature seems disposed to close 
it anyhow, but it requires some effort on our part to assist her. 
I am of opinion that it may be closed in less time and with 
less cost than is generally supposed.. 

The Major informs me that he contemplates some experi- 
ments looking to the collection of drift sand upon the low flat 
beach to the south, and if successful, and he shall be authorized 
to do so, will inaugurate a system of cultivating grass shrub- 



bery and trees upon the beacli, with the view of holding the 
sand and strengthening the boach against incursions of wind 
or water. 

All of which is respectfully submitted. 

(Signed) H. NUTT, Chairman. 



WILMINGTON, N, C, 30th March, 1871, 
To Wm. W. Harriss, Esq., 

President of the Cliamher of Commerce : 

Sir : — Your Committee beg leave to submit herewith a 
correspondence held with Major Walter Griswold, Engineer, 
in charge of the Bar and Eiver Improvements, touching the 
present situation and future prospects of the same. 

From this correspondence will be seen the critical position 
these improvements have been placed in, by the insufficiency 
of the last appropriation made by the Forty-first Congress 
of the United States. 

The estimate submitted to the Department by the Engineer 
in charge of the works required an appropriation of 
$153,315 &Q to complete the work to Zeke's Island only, 
without making any provision for strengthening or securing 
the Island. The appropriation for this purpose was $75,000. 
This sum will probably be sufficient to conduct the work 
only to the small inlet next south of Zeke's Island, or a 
short distance into, but certainly not across it, when the 
work must stop, and wait another appropriation of the 
Congress which convenes in December next, and which, 
if then made, will not bo available until July following. The 
consequence of this delay will be, first, that if the work is 
suspended the tug-boat, lighters, tools and materials and 
property of the improvements must be sold for what they 
Vv^ill bring, which will not probably exceed one-tenth of their 
original cost. 

Second. A well organized set of experienced operators 
must be disbanded. 



51 

Third. It is reasonable to suppose that'if the work has to. 
rest where the present appropriation leaves it, that the same 
cause which produced the terrible inlet which has just been 
successfully closed at the expense of much trouble and 
money will be repeated upon Zeke's Island, and the un- 
finished inlet, as well as upon the main inlet, thereby greatly 
enhancing the cost and time of a final completion of the 
work, if not postponing it indefinitely. Under these circum- 
stances your committee f-eel that they cannot too strongly 
urge upon the Chamber the necessiij oi prompt and energetic 
action in the premises, proving what we feel able to do, the 
absolute necessity and true economy to the Government of 
enlarging this appropriation to a sum sufficient not only to 
reach Zeke's Island, but to protect and secure it against 
further destruction. 

If the Government or the officers who have the charge 
and control of such matters can be made to understand the 
true nature and character of the situation, sitrely they will 
not hesitate to do what is so palpably necessary for advancing 
the best interests of Government, as well as the country at 
large. 

All of which is respectfully submitted. 

HENRY NUTT, ) Com- 

JOHN "WILDER ATKINSON, V m i t - 
JAS. H. CHADBOURN, ) tee. 



WILMINGTON, N. C, Maech 18th, 1871. 
Maj. Walter Geiswold, 

Dear Sir : — May I take the liberty of troubling you for 
some information relative to the public works under your 
charge for the improvement of Cape Fear Bar and Harbor ? 

I have been informed that you submitted to Congress es- 
timates for the completion of the work to Zeke's Island, at 
about one hundred and sixty thousand dollars, which was 
answered by an appropriation of seventy-five thousand dol- 
lars. Please inform mc, at your early convenience, about 



52 

liow far that appropriation will complete the work, and about 
how much time will be required in consuming it, with jour 
present force. "What will be the probable eli'ect or result of 
suspending operations before its completion to Zcko's Island? 

"VVhafc would be the probable effect of a severe Northeast 
gale, say in September, upon the unfinished work ? 

Are you now working as large a force as can be judicious- 
ly employed? 

Can the force be increased to an extent (within a judicious 
management) sufficient to complete the work to Zeke's Island 
before the j)eriod of the usual equinoctial storm ; and if so, 
will the estimate first called for enable you to accomplish it ? 

I desire this information for the use of the Chamber of 
Commerce, that it may institute such proceedings in the 
premises as may be deemed most eflicient, for securing a 
completion of the work without delay, thereby securing the 
benefit of the generous appropriation of Congress, and pre- 
venting, as far as in their power, the wasting of this as of 
former appropriations. 

I am, very respectfully, your ob't serv't, 

H. NUTT, Chairman. 



Office of the Cape Fear Kiver Improvements, 

mimington, N. C, March 20, 1871. 
Henry Nutt, Esq., Chairman, &c.: 

My Dear Sir : — I have the honor of your letter of the 18th 
inst., propounding several questions, of which the folloAving 
is a reply : 

1st. — I submitted an estimate last September for the com- 
mencement and completion of a crib and superstructure 
work, from the head of Smith's to Zeke's Island, which esti- 
mate was transmitted to Brig. Gcn'l J. H. Simpson, U. S. A., 
and by him to the Engineer's Department at Washington, 
amounting to $253,315 QQ, ;— $100,000 had already been ap- 
I)ropriatcd, leaving $153,315 GG yet to be obtained to com- 



pleto the work to Zeke's Island, without providing for 
strengthening the same. 

2d. — I think now, after having waded all winter in a diffi- 
cult place, that we can accomplish the building of five hun- 
dred feet (lineal) more with the means at hand, and by the 
30th of June next, at which time all the funds available will 
be expended. 

3d. — To suspend this work before its final completion, will 
necessitate the sale of all the boats, pile driver, tools, timber 
and iron, and the dispersing of a lot of experienced good 
men. As there is no demand for either boats or such mate- 
rial and tools as would be on hand, I apprehend I could not 
realize one-tenth of their original cost — comparatively 
nothing. 

4th. — My work is always secured so that a Northeaster at 
any time will not seriously ajffect either the finished or unfin- 
ished portion. 

5th. — My total foi'ce at present consists of about forty-five 
men. I can work ninety judiciously. 

6th. — With a force of ninety men, I can expend about 
$20,000 per month. A larger force cannot be employed ad- 
vantageously on a work so confined. 

It therefore will consume over seven months to exj)end the 
amount to complete the work to Zeke's Island, thereby clo- 
sing operations about the middle of February, 1872 — count- 
ing from the first of July next. 

I believe I have answered all the points in ijoilv letter, and 
I hope satisfactorily. You will please do me the honor to 
call upon me for any information pertaining to the Cape Fear 
Eiver Improvements, which may be of avail to your Board in 
facilitating its progress and final completion. 

I am, sir, with much respect, your ob't serr't, 

WALTER GRISWOLD, 
U. S. AssH Engineer. 

P. S. I have no official notification of $75,000 being ap- 
propriated by the XLI Congress for this work. 

WALTER GRISWOLD. 



54 

WILMINGTON, N. C, 21tli Mauch, 1871. 
Major Walter Griswold, 

Supt Cape Fear River Improvements, Wihnincjton, N. C: 

My Dear Sir : — Pei 'nit me to thank you for myself and 
the Chamber of Commerce, for your answer of the 20th inst., 
to my letter of inquiry of the 18th inst. 

One important question, however, was not perhaps suffi- 
ciently explicit to be fully understood by you, I therefore 
repeat, 

Should the money in hand, with the last reported appro- 
priatioD of seventy-fiTe thousand dollars, be sufficient to car- 
ry you no further than the small inlet, between the line of 
old works and Zeke's Island, or partly across it, what would 
be the probable effect upon that Inlet and upon Zeke's Is- 
land, or even upon the large or principal Inlet, by suspend- 
ing the work at the point first named ? 

Is it likely that the rush of water into and out of " Buz- 
zard's Bay" would be sufficient to rapidly deepen the above 
named Inlets, and destroy Zeke's Island, thereby greatly en- 
hancing the labor and expense of a final completion of tho 
work ? 

If consistent with your position, I should be pleased to 
have an expression of your opinion upon the points above 
mentioned. 

I am, sir, your obedient servant, 

H. NUTT, Chairman. 



OrnCE CAPE FEAR IIIYER IMPROVEMENTS, 

Wilmington, N. C, 25th Maboh, 1871. 
Henry Nutt, Es(,)., Chairman, &c.: 

Dbar Sir : — Tour communication of the 24th (yesterday) 
I have received, to which I unqualifiedly repl}^ that should 
the pre??ent improvements between Smith's and Zeke's Islands 
be abandoned, after rmc-lnjig a point between the points of 
rocks of the old work and Zeke's Island, that tho flood tide 
will sweep around the end of it and deepen a channel at that 



55 

point, and eventually sweep away Zeke's Island. No fear 
need be entertained that the waters from " Buzzard's Bay" 
will injuriously affect either Zeke's Island or open a very 
deep channel intervening between that and the end of the 
works, simply for the reason that there will not be sufficient 
ebb at that point ; and from the fact that Zeke's Island and 
the channel spoken of is so near the main channel of the riv- 
er that an attempted ebb, past the end of the works com- 
pleted, will be forced to assume the direction of the main 
channel. "What now causes the ebb through the thirty-sevew 
foot hole, was an eddy of the ebb tide from the river, which 
was unable to pass out the Nevv^ Inlet on account of the short 
turn or acuteness with which it was obliged to make to go 
through the channel of the Inlet, and took a large circle into 
Buzzard's Bay, and returning at the point named. It will 
therefore be seen that for the waters to ebb at the channel 
between Zeke's Island and the point of rocks, it Avill have to 
assume a very acute angle, which is rather against the na- 
ture of water in the present premises. You may ask if this* 
same eddy, which formed around Buzzard's Bay, would not 
still assume that route, and come against the works, and fol- 
low it to its end. It could be answered at once, that the 
present work is an obstruction, and water will not make 
against obstructions, especially where it is only trying to find 
its own level, as in the case of tides. There will, however, 
be an ebb current past the end of a work completed to the 
point named, but very slight. 

My apprehension of the flood injuring Zeke's Island, and 
opening a deep channel, is based as much upon the fact of 
observing its rapid transit through the thirty-seven foot hole 
as from the fact that it must assist in filling the Bay, which, 
owing to its extent, would require larger inlets at Caswell 
and Bald Head, as they at present exist, to supply water 
sufficient to cover that immense territory within the time al- 
lowed between the tides. 

I am, sir, respectfully, your ob't serv't, 

WALTER GEISWOLD, 
I Assistant Engineer. 



50 

WILMINGTON, N. C, 7th April, 1871. 
BiJ. W. W. Harriss, 

President Chamhcr of Commerce: 

Dear Sir : — Having made another visit yesterday to the 
bar and river improvements, in company with Major Gris- 
wold, the Engineer in charge, it affords me much j^leasure 
to communicate to the Chamber the favorable progress of 
the work since my visit on tlie Gth of March, just one month 
ago. In that short period of time four cribs have been 
placed in position and filled with stone, nearly closing up 
the deep inlet, requiring but one more crib to accomplish 
the same. The Superintendent is now engaged in placing 
the superstructure cribs upon the foundation cribs, filling 
and leveling up with stone above the high water mark, about 
thirty feet of which is already complete, and the work of 
placing the superstructure and finishing the work as far as 
the foundation cribs have been placed, is being rapidly 
prosecuted. It is most gratifying to observe with what 
facility this great and important work is aided bj' nature in 
bringing up to its assistance the requisite amount of sand 
necessary for forming the beach as rapidly as the current 
of water is shut out by the finished work. A new beach 
seems to have formed outside of the old line of flat narrow- 
shore, which stretches southward toward Bald Head, and 
which is already up to high water mark and about eighty 
feet wide. Shoals are forming all along outside of the 
works, many of them dry at half tide. Nature seems anxious 
to accomplish this work for us, but true to her own laws, 
requires us first to put our own shoulders to the wheel. It 
is very much to be regretted that the appropropriation 
made by Congress is inadequate for pushing on the work 
more rapidly, owing to which the expenditures have been 
curtailed and the number of workmen very much reduced. 
Considering the small force now engaged the work is pro- 
gressing with astonishing rapidity, and I congratulate the 
Chamber upon the very satisfactory results thus far. 

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

(Signed) N. NUTT. 



57 

WILMINGTON, N. C, May 10th, 1871. 
Dr. W. W. Haeriss, 

President Chamber of Commerce : 

Dear Sir : — I have the pleasure of informing you of a 
visit yesterday to the public works for the improvement of 
Cape Fear Bar, in company with Major Walter Griswold, 
resident Engineer in charge. 

I find the work steadily progressing, although not as 
rapidly as I could hope to see it, the force employed being 
reduced to meet the small amount of money at command to 
carry on the work. 

The last crib required for closing the deep inlet has been 
placed in position and filled with stone, so that this inlet 
may be said to be closed. 

The superstructure is being put on, and as soon as it is 
finished and the water shut out, the sand will come up and 
form the beach, as it has heretofore done, as rapidly as the 
work has been finished. I am pleased to say that the outer 
line of new beach, alluded to in my last report, continues to 
grow, and also, at the point of the beach and thence in the 
direction of the finished work, I find a very material change 
in the bar and channel of the new inlet ; whereas it formerly 
passed out below Zeke's Island and diagonally across the 
inlet to the outer shore of Federal Point, thence some 
distance up the beach before crossing the bar, the channel 
now passes directly from the river in a straight eastwardly 
course, near the Federal Point shore, into the ocean, with 
an increased draft of water. 

Whether this change results from the closing of Deep 
Inlet or from other and natural causes, I am unable to say ; 
I can only state the fact, strange as it may appear. 

It was our wish and intention to make soundings of the 
Kij) of the main outlet, near I* ort Casv/ell, but the weather 
and tide were unsuited, and I am unable to make any report 
at this time upon that subject, but hope to be able to do so 
in my next monthly report. 

The experiments for collecting sand upon the low, flat 
beach, by means of brush, has proven partially successful, 



collecting the sand only one to two feet in height. Some 
change in the plan, I believe, is contemplated, which it is 
expected will collect the sand more rapidly. 

I see nothing discouraging in the prosecution of this work. 

It is rarely the case that so important and difficult a work 
has been prosecuted with such signal success, for, although 
the weather was very unfavorable during the Winter and 
Spring, delaying the work somewhat, no mistake, error or 
serious disaster has occurred that I can hear of. May we 
not hope that this is but a foreshadowing of the final result. 

Respectfully and truly, your obedient servant, 

(Signed) H. NUTT, Chairman, 



THE BAR IMPEOYEMENTS. 



The editor, by invitation, visited the works at New Inlet 
on the 8th inst., in company with Mr. Nutt, Chairman of the 
Committee of the Chamber of Commerce on this improve- 
ment, and in publishing his report we desire to unite with 
him in congratulating that body upon the successful progress 
of the work. We were as much astonished as gratified to 
see how much had been accomplished in so short a time and 
with insufiicient means. 

From the extreme northern point of Smith's Island the 
work has been completed upwards of six hundred feet, 
northwestwardly, towards Zeke's Island, following the line 
of the old works. Deep Inlet, over five hundred feet in 
width, and ranging from ten to forty feet in depth, through 
which an immense volume of water rushed, at the rate of 
eight or ten miles an hour, has been completely and securely 
stopped. The northern end of the unfinished work 
rests temporarily upon a portion of the old stone work, 
which has, in one or two places, withstood storms and tides 



59 

For twenty years. The sealing of tliis inlet is, beyond doubt, 
the most formidable difficulty to be overcrMtie before reaching 
Zeke's Island. There are three other inlets between the 
work and Zeke's Island, but none of them are more than ten 
feet deep. Unless some trouble is met with in finding a 
good foundation in the inlet nearest Zeke's Island, which, 
though wide, is quite shallow, the completion of the work to 
that island will be comparatively easy and rapid. 

The most gratifying feature connected with the progress of 
the work is that the sand follows close upon the workmen, and 
secures their laborsby imbedding the superstructure in front 
two-thirds of the finished work,and along one-half the distance 
in rear. An immense bed of sand has collected, coming up 
to the top of the superstructure, and forming in front a bank 
many hundred of feet into the ocean at low tide. We 
measured the depth of the water on the outside of the work, 
near the point lately finished, where, a few weeks since, a 
torrent forty feet deep rushed through, and we found it only 
about ten feet deep. In a month or two the sand will 
doubtless fill up to the top of the work. 

Major Griswold has displayed an appreciation of the mag- 
nitude of the work he has in hand and the difficulties to be sur- 
mounted, and so far as we are competent to judge, compre- 
hends the effect of his labors upon conflicting currents, which 
haye almost destroyed the entrance to our river, and provi- 
ded against the destructive action of tlie winds upon what 
he has finished. We are satisfied that he will make such 
further progress with the new appropriation, which is due 
next month, that Congress will very willingly make an addi- 
tional appropriation next Winter to complete the work to 
Zeke's Island by the Fall of 1872. 

The manner in which the work has been done reflects 
the greatest credit upon those in immediate charge. Wo 
hope our citizens generally will find f pj)ortunity during 
the Summer to visit the scene of these improvements. — 
We are sure that they would come away fully impressed 
with its magnitude and importance to our port, and satis- 
fied that it c-dii bo successfully prosecuted. There is no 



60 

improvement in progi-ess or contemplated that will add so 
much to the prosperity of Wilmington and this entire 
section, and we should do all in our power to further it. A 
failure now from the want of adequate means may, and 
probably AviU, be fatal to this enterprize for many years. 
The proper ^-fiorts upon our part can secure the necessary 
appropriation, and we must make them. — Journal (Local) 
Editorial, June loth, 1871. 



WILMINGTON, N. C, 9th June, 1871. 
Dr. W. W. Harriss, 

President Chamber of Commerce: 
My Dear Sir : — As required by the Chamber, my regular 
monthly visit to the public works, near Zeke's Island, for 
the improvement of the Cape Fear Bar, was made yester- 
day, and it is with much pleasure that I am now able to 
report the perfect completion of the work across Deep Inlet, 
the northern end of the finished superstructure resting firmly 
upon the highest part of the old stone work at a point desig- 
nated upon the plan of works as the cross, thus effectually 
sealing up this inlet in a substantial and permanent manner. 
When we take into consideration the formidable character 
of this work, an opening of about four or five hundred feet, 
requiring a superstructure of over six hundred feet lineal, 
by twenty feet wide and over forty feet high, to shut out or 
stop a current of water passing in and out at a rate of eight 
or ten miles an hour, and all of this to be accomplished 
within the short space of eight months, and at a cost within 
the sum of one hundred thousand dollars, I think I may 
safely bo allowed to congratulate the Chamber upon the 
satisfactory manner in which the work has been prosecuted, 
and I trust that I may be pardoned for here expressing my 
appveciatiou of the skill and industry of the officers who 
designed and executed this great work. Owing to the mild 
weather of late and prevalence of Westwardly winds the 



61 

sand has not made up against the works so rapidly as in the 
earlier part of the season, when the weather was more stormy 
and the winds were from the Eastward. There is, however, a 
perceptible shoaling of the channels and holes in the vicinity 
of the works, and the formation of shoals outside and in 
front of the works, which will no doubt be brought up by 
the first heavy wind from the East. It is much to be re- 
gretted that very little work can be done this month, owing 
to exhaustion, or nearly so, of the first appropriation. Con- 
sequently the work must move very slowly until July, when 
the last appropriation becomes available. The experiments 
for collecting drift sand and thereby elevating the beach in 
the low parts of it. to which allusion was made in my last 
report, has not been made in consequence of financial 
deficiency. The first imperfect experiment has acted well 
and accomplished all that was expected of it, elevating the 
beach above storm tide, thus proving the feasibility of 
building up the beach to any desired height by judicious 
treatment at small cost. 

The outer beach and outer shoals seem to be growing and 
forming in a manner altogether satisfactory. 

During the past month a corps of engineers, under Oapt. 
Junkin, (sent out by the Superintendent of the Coast 
Survey,) has been surveying the main entrance of the river, 
near Smith's Island and Fort Caswell, a report of which I 
presume will be made public before a great while, and which 
will settle the question of improvement, if any, in the draught 
of water upon the Bar and Kip since the commencement of 
the work of closing the deep inlet, more satisfactorily than 
any soundings which I can make. 

I have, therefore, made no soundings since my last report, 
but rely upon a more accurate report of the o£S.cers of the 
Coast Survey. 

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

(Signed) HENRY NUTT, Chairman. 



62 

WILMINGTON, N. C, July 13tb, 1871. 
To Dk. W. W. Haekiss, 

President Ckamher of Commerce, Wilmington, N. C: 

Dear Sik : — My usual monthly visit to the " Bar Improve- 
ment Works " was made yesterday. As stated in my last 
report, of the 9th of June, very little work was expected du- 
ring that month, owing to the exhaustion of the appropria- 
tion for the fiscal year ending 30th June. Since the 1st July 
instant, the work has been vigorously renewed, and although 
some little delay was occasioned in re-organizing the hands, 
much hasLeen accomplished in this short time. About one 
hundred lineal feet of crib superstructure has been placed 
upon the old stone foundation and partially filled with stone. 
In the meantime, sand shoals are rapidly coming up in front 
of the works, for their protection and security, while the 
narrow flat beach to the Southward is rapidly growing and 
strengthening. Everything seems to be progressing well, 
and much better than might be reasonably expected. 

I am pleased to inform you that the Engineer in charge 
has considered the importance of securing the drift sand 
which may be collected on the low, weak parts of the beach, 
by means of brush fences ar "^ '^ther obstructions, and placed 
a man in spec ol charge of that department. As a matter of 
course, this is v crk which req •Tires time to develope. With- 
in the few days that he has been at work, vaiious experi- 
ments have been made in propagating the native beach grass 
and weed from roots and cuttings, and also of the jointed 
cane grass, all of which appears to be doing well, and I trust 
will prove successful. 

The new brush fence, alluded to in a former report, has 
not yet been completed, but I am informed it will be in a few 
days. The only comment which I propose at present, is, 
that the work looks very encouraging. 

Very respectfully, your ob't serv't, 

(Signed) H. NUTT. 



WILMINGTON, N. C, 12tli August, 1871, 
To Dk. W. W. Haeeiss, 

President Chamber of Commerce, Wilmington, N. C: 

Sir : — No convenient opportunity having presented itself 
at an earlier clay, I made a visit to the public works, near 
New Inlet, in company with Major Griswold, the resident 
Engineer, this day. 

In my last report, I stated that about one hundred lineal 
feet of cribs had been placed in position upon the old stone 
foundation, and partially ailed in with stone. It now becomes 
my pleasant task to report the placing of the foundation of 
cribs up to the first channel, through the line of the old stone 
work, a distance of about two hundred and eighty feet from 
the cross, as designated in my June report, about one hun- 
dred and thirty feet of which is complete, with the finishing 
superstructure. 

The channel above alluded to, which at the commencement 
of the work exhibited about eight feet of water, was found 
when reached by the workmen, to have cut out to a much 
greater depth. The rapid cutting out of this channel may 
be attributed, I think, to the contraction of the opening 
through which the water had previously passed concentra- 
ting it upon this point. This channel (which is not wide) is 
now being bedded with stone, preparatory to placing the 
foundation cribs across it. 

This unexpected extra work Irs somewhat retarded a rap- 
id progress ; but, upon the whole, the work appears to be 
aaoving forward in a very satisfactory manner. The brush 
fence for collecting sand upon the low parts of the beach, is 
acting finely, and has already elevated the surface above 
storm tides wherever they have been placed. 

The experiments in cultivating grass upon the bare beach 
iiave the appearance of proving successful. The native grass, 
found growing spontaneously upon these sands, and which I 
designate as beach grass, is found to bear transplanting gen- 
erously, and I think will prove of much value in pollecting 
the drift sand, as well as securing it, having strong lateral 
and fibrous roots, with a stout cane-like spike running up 



04 

some three to five feet above ground — putting out lateral 
roots at every joint as rapidly as the sand collects around it 
meanwhile shooting upward the main stem to its standard 
height, carrying with it its beautiful head of seed. This 
grass being of spontaneous production, seems peculiarly 
adapted by nature for just such positions, and only requires 
the hand of industry and skill to make it of incalculable value. 

The beach, two to five miles south of the works, appears 
in a critical condition, in some places quite narrow, and cut 
out in trenches between the hills by the force of prevailing 
winds ; — the water, during very high tides, finds passage 
across, and, if long neglected, the result is plain, without the 
gift of prophecy. 

This condition of the beach may probably be attributable 
to the concentration of wind currents in their passage South 
and West over the open bay lying between Smith's Island 
and the mainland ; and which has likewise had the efi'ect 
(most probably) of producing a curvature in the coast line, 
which can only be checked by the cultivation of shrubbery 
for strengthening the beach. 

It is perceptible that the volume of water passing out of 
the main or old outlet of the river, between Smith's Island 
and Oak Island, has been largely increased since the com- 
mencement of operations near New Inlet, and which seems 
to take the direction of the old Eastern channel, near Bald 
Head Point, where it is spread over various shoals, which 
may require dredging or plowing to concentrate the water 
into a defined channel, which no doubt it will soon scour out. 

The chart of a survey of the main outlet of the river, made 
by Capt. Junkiu in May last, by direction of the Coast Sur- 
vey Department, has been received by Major Griswold, which 
exhibits a draft of nine and a half (9i) feet of water at mean 
low tide on the rip near Fort Caswell. 

Kespectfully submitted. 

(Signed) HENKY NUTT, Chairman. 



65 

WILMINGTON, N. C, Septemeee 2d, 1871. 

To Dr. W. W. Harriss, 

President of the Cliamher of Connncrce : 

Sir : — In accordance with tlie wishes of the Chan i - > , the 
regular monthly visit of your Committee to the public works 
for the improvement of Cape Fear Bar and River was made 
this day, and they are pleased to report the steady and suc- 
cessful progress of the work. 

Since their last report, August the 12th, a most violent 
Northeast gale has visited oar coast, producing some appre- 
hension for the safety of the works, and during the month 
much rainy weather prevailed, retarding operations some- 
what. From the violence of the storm some of the unfinished 
cribs and preparatory timber was displaced, which involved 
some loss of time and labor to place them in position 
again. This was successfully and speedily accomplished 
through the energy and skill of the Local Superintendent, 
and all is now going on well again. It is with much pleasure 
that they are enabled to report the perfect safety and security 
of the finished work, for, notwithstanding the storm was one 
of unusual violence and duration, from the Northeast, 
and the ocean water elevated much above its ordinary level, 
having full and unobstructed sweep, was brought against the 
works with great force, no injury whatever was sustained ; 
not a timber or plank was moved from its position, thus 
proving the adaptability of the plans designed for a successful 
prosecution of this great and important work. They here beg 
leave to call your attention to the fact that while the 
Engineers and operatives have done all that flesh and blood 
could do under the circumstances, they nevertheless labor 
under grievous disadvantages for the want of means to em- 
ploy a sufiieient force to guard and protect exposed and 
weak points ahead of their work while they are advancing 
and securing the general line ; for experience has ^ 'lown 
that as the volume of water passing in and out of these open- 
ings is checked, or shut out, its passage being contracted, it 
is throw^n with greater force upon the weaker points, cutting 



G6 

them out very rapidly, entailing a greater expenJituTe of 
money, time and labor for securing them afterwards. 

So you will readily perceive that the officers in charge of this 
work, with the best intentions, are obstructed and tied down 
to a limited monthly expenditure, thereby restraining them 
in rendering to the Government as valuable service as they 
might otherwise do, and postponing the period of inscribing 
their own names in the niche of fame. The shoals in the 
vicinity of the works have somev/hat changed their positions, 
but this is by no means prejudicial to them. A portion of the 
sand in fiont of the work has been thrown over and back of it, 
which is rather an advantage, as more sand will no doubt 
soon take its place in front. Zeke's Island is somewhat 
changed, indicating an increased low water area, while its 
high water area appears diminished. There is some appear- 
ance of an increased depth of water in the small inlet next 
south of the Island, though I had no means of determining 
this fact. The oriter shoals seem to increase, and the point 
of beach extending northward in front of the work, while the 
beach south is evidently and perceptibly growing. The 
catch sand fences have proven successful, not a rail was 
removed by the storm, and the brush has been completely 
covered with sand to the top of the fence, presenting an em- 
bankment three or five feet high, and, of course, far above 
the reach of any tide. This- and the weak parts of the beach, 
where the wind has blown out trenches between the hills, 
are now being strengthened by a system of cultivating the 
beach grass. This gruss bears transplanting well ; none of 
that which was set out in July and August has died, but all is 
growing and doing finely, and I think will bear transplanting 
at any season of the year. Where planted, it has not only 
successfully resisted the blowing away of sand, but has 
already collected it in many places a foot or over in height. 
The Major has been fortunate in securing the services of a 
competent man in this department, wlio seems to understand 
liis business, and I hope is do-ng valuable service, which 
time alone will demonstrate. 

Having no opportunity of visiting the lower harbor and 



6Y 

main inlet, your Committee have nothing to add to their 
August report in that direction. In conclusion, they beg to 
state that thus far in the progress of the work everything 
has worked well ; there have been no mistakes or blunders, 
no waste of time or money, and the prospect ahead is flat- 
tering. Everything now depeiids upon the good sense and 
liberality of Congress in making the necessary appropria- 
tions for the early and successful completion of this noble 
enterprise. The gentlemen in charge of this work sefm 
fully alive to its varied complications, its difficulties, magni- 
tude and importance, and are working like beavers to inscribe 
their names high on the roll of fame, and should they be so 
fortunate as to merit it by a full and complete accomplish- 
ment, none will rejoice more than 

"Your humble servant, 

H. NUTT, Chairman. 



WILMINGTON, N. C, 30th September, 1871. 
To Wm. W. Hakeiss, Esq., 

President of the Chamber of Commerce : 

Sir :— The usual monthly visit of your Committee to the 
public works, near New Inlet, for the improvement of Cape 
Fear Bar and Harbor, was made yesterday, in the company 
of Major Griswold, Mayor Martin and others. 

In appearance the work has made very little progress, but 
remains apparently in the condition in which it was left on the 
occasion of their last report a month ago ; the labors of the 
Superintendent having been directed exclusively to harden- 
ing the bottoms of the small openings through the line of old 
stone work, to prevent further Avashing out as the work pro- 
ceeds, and of leveling up the same with stone to receive the 
cribs and finishing superstructure. 

This work is all under water, of course out of sight, and to 
the casual observer, aftbrds little appearance of progress ; 
whereas, a large amount of necessary labor aud expense has 



:g8 



really been accomplislied, this extra labor and expense being 
necessitated by the limited amount of means allowed for 
prosecuting the work with economy and dispatch. 

It is expected that in a short time this precautionary pre- 
paration will bo complete, when the regular work of finishing 
up the line will proceed as heretofore. 

It is perceptible that the water is shoaling in the vicinity 
of the works on both sides of it, and the outer shoals are evi- 
dentlj' moving up, as it were, in a body. The point of beach 
is extending Northward, and in front of the work. The inlet 
South of Zeke's Island seems not to be affected, as its depth 
of vaLer is still maintained, while the Island itself is grad- 
ually wearing away, and is almost entirely covered with wa- 
ter by high tides. The catch sand fences are operating very 
well, and form a good nucleus for building up the beach uni- 
formly, while the beach grass, which is being planted, and 
which seems alive and growing well, does much towards 
strengthening the beach against incursions of the wind, as 
well as collecting and securing the sand. 

The breach across Bald Head Point, in rear of the old jet- 
tie, is progressing. A very strong outward current is here 
formed by the river water, which seems to take the direction 
of the Eastern shore ; and, its abrasion upon the soft earth 
of the point being more eflective than upon the hard bottom 
of its channel, the point is ra^^idly wearing away, instead of 
deepening the channel. 

Bespectfully, your ob't serv't, 

H. NUTT, Chairman. 



WILMINGTON, N. C, Oth Novembee, 1871. 
Col. W. L. DeRosset, 

President of the Chamber of Commerce : 

Sir : — Your Committee, to whom was referred the subject 

of " Bar and Eiver Improvements," visited the works on 

Tuesday last, the 7th instant, and ask leave to report : That 



G9 

since their last report a month ago, there is very little 
appearance of progress, the work being confined to securing 
a foundation for the break-water, which is now nearly com- 
plete. The work of placing the finishing superstructure 
has commenced, and we trust our next report will exhibit a 
considerable amount of finished work. We are pleased to 
report that the sand has been brought up against the break- 
water, entirely across the deep inlet to high water mark, and 
the beach has been formed from the outer edge of the 
abutment at the cross, or southern end of the old line of 
stone work, almost in a straight line to the outer point of 
beach, thus filling the deep inlet and effectually securing 
the break-water. This is a most flattering result, the magni' 
tude of which can only be understood when we state that 
this was an inlet about six hundred feet wide and thirty to 
forty feet deep, with an eight to ten knot current. 

The beach is extending northward, from which a line of 
shoals is apparent in the direction of Zeke's Island, some 
distance in front of the break-water line. 

The catch sand fences and grass cultivation are perfectly 
satisfactory. 

We find growing upon the beach two distinct varieties of 
grass, but somewhat similar in character, designed, no doubt, 
by nature, for collecting and binding the drift sand of such 
localities, being of humble appearance, and seemingly suited 
to no other purpose. Not knowing the name of either, we 
shall designate them as " 3IaU Grass " and " Carolina Beach 
Grass.'" Not having seen the former in bloom we are unable 
to determine positively, but as it bears some of the charac^ 
teristics of leaf and root described of the " Matt grass " of 
England and Scotland, (where it is so highly valued as a 
seacoast defence as to be recognized by the Government of 
Great Britain and nationalized by special act of Parliament 
for its protection,) we think it the same, and shall so treat it 
for the present. 

We find this grass was known and cultivated as a seacoast 
defence at Provincetown, (Cape Cod,) in Massachusetts, as 
early as 1812. It has likewise been cultivated with success 



70 

upon the sands at Lowell, and still further up on the banks 
of the Merrimack river. 

We also find that this grass is not unknown to the Gov- 
ernmeut of the United States, for, between the years 1826 
and 1839 Congress appropriated twenty-eight thousand 
dollars, which was expended in setting out this beach grass 
near the village of Provincetown, for the protection of the 
harbor. And again, as late at the year 1854, five thousand 
dollars were ivisely expended by the General Government in 
adding to the work. So this grass seems to have had a 
national reputation even in this country, and the precedent 
is here established for its cultivation upon our coast, where 
ic is much needed. The " Carolina beach grass,'' alluded to 
above, we can find no description of. It differs from the 
" Matt grass " in that it has a stout, rigid cane-like culm 
rising three to five feet above ground, long, flat leaves, and 
spreading pannicle, putting out strong, lateral roots from 
every joint as soon as the sand reaches it ; in the meantime 
the culm is pushed upward, and is consequently always out 
of the way of an extraordinary drift of sand. The roots are 
stouter than the Matt grass, having the same peculiarfty of 
spreading, producing tubers, from which issue new shoots or 
plants, and possessing many advantages over the Matt grass. 
As a collector and binder of drift sand we know of no 
superior, and this is the grass adopted for cultivation upon 
our beach by the Engineer in charge of the work, and from 
which (if continued) we may reasonably expect valuable 
results. 

It will be remembered that, as yet, no^special appropria- 
tion has been made for this object. 

In view of the importance of restoring, j)reserving and 
protecting this valuable harbor, its magnitude, the many 
and varied complications surrounding the operations of a 
successful, economical and early completion of the work, 
your Committee feel that they cannot too strongly urge 
upon the Chamber the necessity of using all lawfuFmeans, 
loaving no wheel unturned to procure from the next Congress 
a sufficient appropriation to enable the Engineer in charge 



71 

of this work not merelj to complete the break-water now iu 
course of construction, but likewise to enable bim to command 
the situation according to his own juGlgment and discretion in 
all its varied complications, as contemplated in the general 
plan of operations, such as strengthening weak points, 
removing obstructions, dredging proper channels, <fec. 
All of which is respectfully submitted. 

(iSigned) H. NUTT, Chairman, &c. 



WILMINGTON, N. C, 14th December, 1871. 
Col. "W. L. DeKosset, 

President of the Chamber of Commerce, Wilmingt'^n, N. C: 

Sir : — The monthly visit to the public works for the im- 
provement of Cape Fear Eiver and Bar was made by your 
Committee on Wednesdaj^ of last week, the 6th inst. Since 
their last visit, on the 7th of November, about one hundred 
and fifty (150) lineal feet of the line of breakwater has been 
^nished, and about one hundred and twenty-five (125) feet 
more pretty well advanced towards completion, which will 
be finished in a few days. 

During the past few months a succession of storms has 
prevailed upon the coast, accompanied by unusually high 
tides, involving some loss of time, labor, and materials, and 
hIso some change of operations ; and as this report may not 
be clearly understood as harmonizing strictly with former 
reports, we recapitulate. 

Since the commencement of the work, about nine hundred 
(900) lineal feet of breakwater has been permanently fixed 
and completely finished, one hundred and twenty-five (125) 
feet more nearly finished, besides a considerable amount of 
work done in securing the foundation for the advancing 
*»reakwater. In the meantime, the floating sand of the ocean 
iias steadily followed the work as finished, and settled into a 
firm beach in front of the breakwater, two to four hundred 
feet wide, thus securing the stability of the works against al- 
most^any contingency. 



The violent Southeast gale, of the 10th of November, ac- 
companied by the extraordinary tidal-wave of five to seven 
feet above ordinary tides, swept away a portion of the front 
of Smith's Island beach, south of the work, but we are pleas- 
ed to say that it is now rapidly making up again. 

And we are further pleased to note the perfect success and 
utility of the catch sand fences and grass cultivation, neither 
of which was damaged, but resisted without injury both 
storm and tide ; and we cannot but esteem it as most fortu- 
nate that the work of building up and securing the beach was 
commenced as early as it was, hut for which the probabilities 
are that a large portion of the beach would have been swept 
into the river by the late storm and tidal-wave. 

Tour Committee beg leave to express their gratification at 
the wonderful success which has thus far attended this work, 
and the great accomplishment with the limited means at 
command. 

It is to be hoped that the attention of Congress may be 
directed to a more liberal appropriation for vigorously prose* 
cuting this important work. 

All of which is respectfully submitted. 

(Signed) H. NUTT, Chairman. 



WILMINGTON, N. C, 8th January, 1872. 
CoL. Wm. L. DeEohset, 

President of the Chamhcr of Commerce, Wilmington. N. C.r 

Sir : — On Friday, the 4th instant, your Committee visited 
the public works near New Inlet for the improvement of the 
Bar and Eiver. Teey also walked some five or six miles down 
the beach toward Smith's Island, to see the condition of the 
beach in that direction, as well as to see the effect of the 
catch sand fences, and examine the progress of the grass 
culture. 

As anticipated in their last report, very little work has been 
done during the past month, owing to the holidays inter" 



vening, and the usual loss of time iu closing up the affairs of 
one year and commencing another. 

Of the one hundred and twenty-five feet of unfinished work 
alluded to in our last report, about fifty feet have been 
finished ; — work is also progressing on the line of breakwater. 
This is about all which appears to have been done during 
the past broken month. Nature, howeYer, continues her 
work of enlarging the beach, and bringing up the shoals, to 
secure and strengthen the breakwater as fast as it can be 
finished. 

The catch sand fences have accomplished more than was 
expected of them, having elevated the beach four to seven 
feet high, and several thousand feet in length. Wherever 
the brush fence is placed, the beach makes up immediately 
to it, and if the means were at command the whole beach 
could very soon be secured. 

The grass cultivation has had no opportunity as yet of 
displaying its real value to the casual observer, (no growing 
season having been reached since its commencement,) but 
with your committee, who have watched its progress, the 
utmost confidence is established in its ultimate success. — 
"When planted, it puts out roots immediately, taking firm hold 
upon the surrounding sand, which it secures, collecting the 
blowing sand as high as its tops will permit ; and we think 
the beach will build up just as fast as the grass grows. To 
your committee at least, therefore, the growing season of the 
next six or eight months will be one of much interest. 

We feel constrained, though reluctantly, to briog to your 
notice the critical, we may say dangerous, condition of that 
portion of the beach lying next to Smith's Island, and extend- 
ing up above the lower pilot look-out. In several places the 
beach or ridge of sand (not high) docs not exceed thirty feet 
in width at high tides ; and at other places, the beach L^eing 
low and flat, the ocean waves make a clean sweep across at 
extreme high tides, and it is simply wonderful that a j)erma- 
nent opening has not long since been effected. 

This danger being remote from the field of operations, no 
doubt has escaped the notice of the Engineer in charge of 



74 

the works "We therefore deem it necessary only to intimate 
these facts. We believe, however, he has already taken the 
preliminary steps to secure these points, 

"We here bep^ leave to state incidentally, as matter of 
information for the Chamber, that a corps of Engineers from 
Charleston, under Gen. Ludlow, has been examining the site 
and surroundings of Fort Anderson, for what purpose we are 
not advised ; and also another corps, under direction of the 
Superintendent of the Coast Survey Department, are making 
surveys of the harbor and its entrances as high up as Fede- 
ral Point, and which it is expected to complete in a few days. 

The visit of the Commission appointed to investigate mat- 
ters relating to our harbor, expected here on Tuesday, the 
9th instant, has been unavoidably defeired. Conjecture only 
is left us that it is temporary, and that very soon we shall 
have the pleasure of greeting their arrival. 

All of which is respectfully submitted. 

(Signed) H. NUTT, Chairman. 



BAR AND RIVER IMPROVEMENTS— OUR MER- 
CHANTS. 



We publish elsewhere the monthly re|X)rt of the Committee 
of the Chamber of Commerce, upon the condition of the 
Government works at New Inlet, submitted to that body by 
Mr. Henry Nutt, the Chairman of the Committee. It is un- 
necessary for us to point out the value of these reports 
and the favorable influence they are having in ofl&ciaj circles. 
Every minute particular, with which they abound, gives to 
the proper department the very information which is most 
desired. 

It is hardly necessary for us to refer to the importance of 
the works now in progress, looking to the improvement of 



75 

^ur bar and river. Those wlio are familiar with the business 
of our city know that the want of water is the great barrier 
to the rapid improvement of Wilmington. If the draft of 
water upor- our bar and in the channel of the river could be 
doubled, the commerce, wealth and population of our city- 
would be doubled also. We have now direct communication 
with Augusta and the upper portions of South Carolina, and 
will soon be in direct communication with the interior of our 
o^VA State by the completion of the Wilmington, Charlotte 
and Rutherford Railroad. Other railroads are contemplated 
and will be built, and others not now spoken of will be 
projected and finished, if the works at the mouth of the river 
are successfully pushed forward. 

Railroads &re now projected, and, indeed, several are being 
pushed Eastward, to connect Cincinnati, Louisville and 
Memphis with the Atlantic. The geographical position of 
our city is most favorable for this connection, and our large 
lumber business with the West Indies renders our port the 
best adapted to supply the Mississippi and Ohio Valleys 
with the products of these Islands. The want of water upon 
our bar and in our river will prove a fatal barrier to this 
business unless it is removed. 

Can it be done ? Can we prepare our port to do its full 
share of the vast business which must soon burst through 
cur Western mountains and seek the Atlantic ? Charleston 
and Norfolk, on each side of us, are preparing. They are 
going out to meet it a,nd divide it between them. We will 
certaiidy lose it if we lie supinely upon our backs. The 
rapidly increasing business of the West must have new 
channels. The railroads to New York and Baltimore are 
too long ; the river to New Orleans is unreliable, and trans- 
portation is too slow. And, indeed, there will soon be 
business enough to over-crowd all their present modes of 
transportation. Direct and short connection with the At- 
lantic must be had. 

We think it has been demonstrated that our bar and river 
can be improved. Considering the means at hand, Major 
Oriswold, the Engineer in charge, has worked wonders. Th« 



TC 

progress he has made, the work resisting, in its unfinished 
state, the fury of some of the wildest storms which have 
ever visited our coast ; nay, its strength and durability is 
increased by their action, shows him not only capable, but 
" master of the situation." 

We are satisfied, from personal inspection of the work, 
from the monthly reports submitted to the Chamber of 
Commerce, and from the judgment of scientific men, that 
■with sufficient appropriations New Inlet can be closed, and 
the water on the lower bar increased to almost its original 
depth. 

If this, indeed, be the great barrier to our progress, it 
becomes the duty of every citizen to use his best exertions 
to remove it. Other cities and States are getting vast 
appropriations to rebuild public buildings, to increase public 
woiks, to improve harbors and rivers, and our claims are 
equal to the best. It has been our experience that those 
who have been modest in pushing their own interests have 
been overlooked and neglected. 

The question occurs, who are the proper persons to 
promote our interests in this behalf ? Every one will say 
that the merchants of Wilmington can do more, by proper 
action, than all others. 

We know that when bills are to be passed in the Legisla- 
ture or Congress, public men are expected to assist in their 
passage. Merchants, ordinarily, pay little attention to such 
matters, and are apt to forget that they have any considera- 
tion in such bodies. They underrate their own influence 
too frequently. We are satisfied that in securing an adequate 
appropriation for our bar improvement that the Chamber of 
Commerce of this city can do more than all the politicians 
of the State combined. Let them assemble together and 
draft a petition setting forth the progress made and the 
advantages in a commercial and naval point of view its 
completion will give ; let a committee from the Chamber 
visit the merchants of New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore, 
and secure their endorsement and co-operation, which will 
be readily given. Then let the appeal be made to Congress. 



77 

Fortified with these mercantile endorsements and aided by 
the presence of several of our leading merchants, wo will 
warrant that Colonel Waddell, our member of Congress, will 
have little di faculty in getting an appropriation sufficiently 
large to place the enterprise beyond the chance of failure. 

Is it not worth an earnest and faithful trial ? We submit 
the proposition to our merchants and leave it to their candid 
consideration. A commission of distinguished Government 
officials will soon visit the works at New Inlet and submit a 
report. If it should be favorable, and we have no doubt on 
that score, it will be the best opportunity for our merchants 
to act. Let their petition follow this report. Who doubts 
that their efforts will be crowned with success ? — Journal 
Editorial, January 2d, 1872. 



WILMINGTON, N. C, 8th February, 1872. 
Col. Wm. L. DeKosset, 

President of the Chamber of Commerce : 

Sir : — Your Committee have had no opportunity of visiting 
the works near New Inlet for the improvement of the harbor, 
and consequently are unable at present to make their usual 
monthly report upon the situation and progress of the work. 
They hope to be enabled to do so in a few days. 

The Board of Engineers to examine our harbor, and the 
works now in progress for its improvement, alluded to in our 
last monthly report, consisting of Generals Z. B. Tower, Q. 
A. Gilmore, J. G. Foster and H. G. Wright, accompanied by 
Col. Wm. P. Craighill and Capt. C. B. Phillips, arrived on 
the evening of the 23d of January last. 

On the 21th, they, with a number of our merchants and 
other citizens, made an excursion down to the works, to Fed- 
eral Point and Fort Fisher, on board the U. S.Kcvenue Cut- 
ter Seward, Capt. Carson, tendered for the occasion through 
the courtesy of D. Eumley, Esq., Collector of the port. The 



ib 

"•loth was also spent down the river, on Smith's Ishand, Bald 
Head, and Foil Caswell. The weather on both days was 
yerv fine, and to the courteous attentions of Capt. Carson 
and his officers are we indebted for a most pleasant time. 

We are, of course, in ignorance as to the conclusions ar- 
rived at bj the Board, but entertaining the utmost conlidence 
in its ability to comprehend the true situation, as it was, is 
now, and what it may be again, and in its integrity and kindly 
feeling to recommend the proper appliances for restoring the 
harbor. We feel assured that its report will be satisfactory. 

We herewith submit a letter from Col. Craighill, returning 
the thanks of the Board of Engineers to the Commit/ee and 
Chamber for courteous attentions, and for facilities afforded 
them in the performance of their duty of examining the river 
below Wilmington, and discussing the subject of its improve- 
ment, on the occasion of their visit on the 24:th ult. 

Through the thoughtful consideration of Mrs. General 
Whiting, your Committee and the Chamber have been placed 
in possession of a commercial statement made in 1815 by 
Joshua Potts, and for which we feel greatly indebted ; — and 
also to Major M. P. Taylor for a similar statement made in 
1843 by the late Robert W. Brown. These statements, while 
they present interesting features in t>he articles of production 
and export, and the manner of transacting business in those 
days, contain items of importance in the early history of the 
Cape Fear. 

From a comparison of these two statements, it will be seen 
that the draught of water upon the New lulet Bar was iden- 
tically the same — 11.^ feetatliigh tide — at both dates of 1815 
and 1843, while the water upon the Main Bar had deprecia- 
ted three (3) feet in the twenty -eight years intervening. The 
Western Bar, now in use, is not alluded to by either. The 
draught of water upon the Flatts below Wilmington, near 
Big Island, was identically the same — 11. i feet — at both 
dates, proving that the operations for improving the channel 
by the State, under Fulton, and those by the General Gov- 
ernment, under Capt. Baclie, between the years 1820 and 
1830, had effected no improvement to navigation, supposed 
to be owing to the old obstructicns. 



79 

In bis statement in 1815, Mr, Potts says : " Unfortunately, 
a couple of years since the sea encroached on the shore, and 
destroyed the Lighthouse ; and within a few years an angle 
to the westward has been formed in that part of the channel 
"which was formerly straight, by which circumstance the navi- 
gation over the Main Bar has become more difficult." 

We here have the date of the destruction of the old Light- 
House fixed at 1813, and the cause of it, with some facts for 
reflection by Engineers upon the conflicting currents of the 
ocean and river. 

Respectfully submitted. 

H. NUTT, Chairman. 



WILMINGTON, N. C, February 12th, 1872. 
CoL. Wm. L. DeEosset, 

President of the Chamber of Commerce : 

Sir : — The regular monthly visit of the Committee on Bar 
and Kiver Improvements to the vi ,jrks near New Inlet, was 
made on Saturday last, the 10th instant. 

They found the work progressing as satisfactorily as the 
means at command would seem to justify. Since their last 
visit on the 11th of January, there has been about two hun- 
dred and fifty (250) feet of the breakwater finished, aggre- 
gating about twelve hundred (1,200) feet of the breakwater 
ar completely finished up to this time ; some unfinished crib 
work not estimated. Besides, (as we learn from enquiry,) 
there has been about eight hundred (800) feet of preparatory 
work done in filling up of the various slues (which have cut 
cue) with sti/iie, and leveling up to low water mark the line 
of the permanent breakwater, which will greatly facilitate 
future operations. 

The beach in front continues to follow the work as rapidly 
as completed and the current is checked. 

The succession of heavy storms upon our coast of late, 
accompanied by unusually high tides, has had the effect of 
wearing the beach to some extent, particularly at the outer 



so 



point or turn of it, and blowing the sand from exposed and 
unprotected situations, while those jDarts where catch sand 
fences have been placed, and grass planted, little or no 
damage has been sustained, but rather benefited bj collecting 
and holding the drifting sand. 

"We can make no satisfactory statement in regard to Zeke's 
Island, which was entirely covered by the high tides, or of 
the Inlet south of it, as we have no means of determining 
whether they are being damaged or otherwise. We can only 
see that an immense amount of sand is brought inside 
through the Inlets, and deposited in the river and bay, and 
there can be little doubt of large quantities being carried 
down to the lower harbor and its outlet. 

Should the present Congress think proper to make the re- 
quisite appropriation for a more vigorous prosecution of work 
upon the breakwater, and at the same time upon the several 
combinations which reem to be necessaiy for effecting good 
results from tlie work, we have no doubt it will prove, in the 
end, the surest economy, and we shall much sooner be ena- 
bled to reap the rich benefits inevitably fiowing from it. 

Your Committee acknowledge its inability to perceive the 
wisdom or economy of frittering away large sums of money 
in jDrosccuting complicated works so sluggishl}- as to admit 
of rapid damage to weak points of the combination, equal, 
in some instances, to the amount of work accomplished, 
which might be avoided, and the work greatly economised, 
by the more judicious course of prosecuting it with energy, 
and a proper forecast in suppressing injurious eflects upon 
weak points at the same time, or in advance of the main 
work. Hence the necessity of urging upon Congress the 
importance, the wisdom, the real economy, of placing at the 
command of the Engineer in charge a sufiicient amount to 
conduct the work, as circumstances may arise to require it, 
and as his own judgment may dictate. No apprehensions 
need be entertained that the money will be squandered, his 
judicious and successful management thus far is ample assu- 
rance that there will be no waste of time or money. 
Respectfully submitted. 

(Signed) H. NUTT, Chairman. 



, WILMINGTON, N. C, Makch 11th, 1872. 
Col. Wm. L. DeRosset, 

President of the Chamber of Commerce : 

Sir : — The monthly visit of your Committee to the harbor 
improvements, near New Inlet, was made on Thursday last, 
the 7th inst. 

It will be remembered that during the past month, Cape 
Fear river has been visited by an extraordinary freshet, the 
water rising; to an unusual height, so much so that during its 
existence the water at the works was not reduced at low tide 
more than eighteen inches below the line of high water mark. 
As a matter of course, very little work could be done during 
this condition of affairs. Add to this a continuance of stormy 
weather during nearly the whole month ; — one storm of great 
violence, which lasted for four days consecutively, the wind 
blowing all the while from one direction, was well calculated 
to result in damaging effects. Strange as it may appear, 
however, we are pleased to say that no damage whatever was 
done to any part of the work, either of the breakwater, the 
brash fences, or the grass which htsd been planted. Every- 
thing is intact, as though no storm or high tide had occurred, 
while there are indications of considerable damage to the 
exposed and un]3rotected parts of the beach. 

The simple statement of these facts we feel to be the 
strongest commentary at our command upon the utility and 
stability of the works now progressing. 

Work upon the break-water is progressing satisfactorily 
under the circumstances, and considering the small amount 
of means allowed to progress with. 

Quite an amount of foundation work has been done, 
although only about thirty or forty feet have been completed 
by the finishing superstructure. The beach in front continues 
to follow up the work, and the flats of the bay inside of the 
work is rapidly filling, so that it is difficult to get a small 
boat to the beach from the river, except at high tide. 

We here desire to call attention to an apparent change 
going on in the curreL.t of the main New Inlet, which now 
seems to take a south eastwardly direction from the inner 



82 

shore of Foderal Point, diagonally across the inlet, outside 
of the outer point of Zeke's Island shore, moving in a some- 
what parallel line to Smith Island beach, throwing up in its 
passage a reef or line of shoal from the outer point of beach 
to Zeke's Island. 

How this change of current (if correct) will affect the 
present plan of operations we are unable to say, and if we 
were, it would be exceeding our province to speak. If 
prejudicial, the Engineer in charge will very soon discover it, 
if he has not already done so. 

There is still another matter to which we deem it proper 
to call the attention of the Chamber. It appears from the 
chra't of a survey made last summer by Capt. Juuken, of the 
U. S. Coast Survey, and under its direction, that there then 
existed upon the Hip across the Western channel of the main 
outlet of the harbor, near Fort Caswell, nine and a half (9^) 
feet draught of water at low tide, the benefits of which, as 
yet, have not been made available. This passage appears 
narrow and not exactlj'- straight, and can only be rendered 
available by the addition of two or three buoys judiciously 
placed. 

And again, we are informed (unofficially of course) that the 
volume of water now passing the main outlet of the harbor, 
being largely increased by the construction of the I'reakwa- 
ter near New Inlet, and taking the general direction of the 
Eastern or old main ship channel on the Bald Head side of 
the outlet, is perceptibly wearing a channel through ; he outer 
balk-head on Keeper Shoals, and that ten (10) feet draught 
can now be obtained across it at low tide. If these reports 
should prove true, (and we suppose the facts will soon be 
developed by the officers of the Coast Survey now at work 
upon tills outlet,) we can see no good reason why our com- 
merce should not have the benefit of any improvement in the 
navigation, and as rapidly as such improvement is made, by 
having the channels properly marked b}'^ buoys. 

All of which is respectfully submitted for your considera- 
tion. 

(Signed) H. NUTT, Chairman. 



HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 



Ill company with Henry Nutt, Esq., Cliairman of the 
Committee of the Chamber of Commerce, we visited on 
Monday last the works for the improvement of our harbor. 
As our readers know, the object of these Wvjrks is, by dimin- 
ishing the water at New Inlet, to increase that at the mouth 
of the river. The first step in the prosecution of this work 
was to connect Zeke's Island with the northern end of Smith's 
Island beach. The gap between the two points was about 
forty -five hundred feet in width. Twelve hundred and sixty- 
three feet of this gap have been crossed by means of sub- 
sta,ntial cribs, filled with stones and rocks, and covered with 
heavy j)lanking. In addition to this, a distance of one 
hundred and thirty feet has been cribbed and is ready for 
planking, and rocks have been sunk, and are now ready for 
cribbing, including the remains of Captain Woodbury's 
work, for a distance of about four hundred feet ; — all of this 
w^ill be completed by 1st May. Tlie depth of water between 
the end of Woodbury's work and Zeke's Island is only about 
seven feet at high water, and offers no difficulty to be over- 
come. The great work of connecting Zeke's Island with 
Smith's Island beach has already been accomplished. A 
channel of six hundred feet wide, and for five hundred feet 
of this width between thirty-five and forty feet deep, has been 
closed up in such a manner as to resist the violence of the 
most terrific storms. 

The beach from Smith's Island has followed the work, and 
will doubtless continue to do so until the connection with 
Zeke's Island is established, increasing in width and height. 

In order to complete the work, another appropriation from 
Congress is absolutely necessary. If the amount asked for, 
$150,000, be granted, the work will be carried across Zeke's 
Island during the next fiscal year. 

Smith's Island beach, the long narrow strip of land between 
the Ocean and Buzzard's Bay, is being perceptibly strength- 



9A 

ened, by means of brush fences and tdc " Carolina Beach 
Grass." 

The brush fences arc nothing more nor less than parallel 
line? of rail fences filled in with l)rush. The sand has accu- 
mulated along these fences to such a height that the "riders" 
only are now visible. 

The grass was set out in parallel rows last Summer and 
Fall, and during the Winter just passed, and in thut short 
time even has plainly developed its capacity for holding the 
sand. 

No one who stood on Monday upon the work, and remem- 
bered the surging volume of water that only a few months 
before rushed beneath the very spot on Avhich he was then 
standing, can doubt the pi aeticability or success of the work. 
Nor can there be any doubt of the beneficial effect upon the 
navigation of our noble river. 

Upon Ihe success of the efforts to improve our river and 
harbor depend, in our opinion, in a great degree, the future 
welfare and prosperity of the city of Wilmington. 

The business of transportation of both freights and passen- 
gers has been of recent years reduced to a system adapted 
to the wants, necessities, and geographical conformation of 
the country as a Avhole. There are a comparativel}' few greut 
main lines Avith innumerable side lines or feeders. 

The termini of all main lines running East and West are 
the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The necessities of the 
country demand at least two of these main iuteroceanic lines. 
Why should not Wilmington be one of the Atlantic termini ? 

But we are unwilling to give expression to the bright hopes 
of the future we anticipate for our goodly old town. But 
whether that success be attained in full or scant measure, 
the name of Henry Nutt will, and ought to be, held in grate- 
ful remembrance by all our people to the last generation, as 
the earnest, persistent, and enthusiastic friend of this great 
work.— Jovrnal EiHlorial, 3Iarch WJi, 1872. 



''4. 



WILMINGTON, 




^ 



I^-A-ST, I=» It E S E 3Sr T -A-lsTID EXJTTJI^E. 



HISTORY OF ITS HARBOR, 



DETAILED REPORTS OF THE WORK 
> 

3 FOR IMPROVING AND RESTORING- TH^ SAME, 
NOW BEING CONDUCTED BY THE 

XJ. S„ Grovemnieiit. 



RESOURCES A]S[D ADYAjSTAGES 

AS AN ENTREPOT FOR WESTERN CITIES. 
HARBOR OF REFUGE, 



COAZbT^G D13POT FOB, THIB ITA V"T 



]s^E:ROH:^r<rT :M:-^ptiisrE:, 



PUBLISHED BY OKDEE OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. 



i9 



t 



WILMINGTON, N. C. 

.T. A. ENGELHARD, STEAM POWER PRESS PRINTER, 
JOUKNAIi BUILDINGS. 



1872. 







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BJa'09 



